Expertise.com
2024

Last updated:

Best Financial Advisors in Clearwater

Our Recommended Top 16

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Clearwater Financial Advisors on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

41

Reviewed

31

Curated

16

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider
SmartAdvisor by SmartAsset logo
FEATUREDExpertise.com

SmartAdvisor by SmartAsset

Clearwater, FL
  • Estate Planning
  • Investment Management
  • Retirement Planning
  • Financial Planning

Why choose this provider?

SmartAsset's free, five-minute tool makes it easy to find qualified financial advisors in your area. The exclusive tool uses a quick survey to help SmartAsset's exclusive algorithm match you with up to three advisors based on your specific financial needs. Each advisor is a fiduciary, legally bound to work in your best interest, and rigorously vetted by SmartAsset. You can speak with each for free, sometimes within a matter of minutes, and choose whom you want to work with. Hundreds of thousands of smart investors and retirees have already used SmartAsset's simple, no-cost service to find the right financial advisors for them.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Price: Free Consultation

Clearwater, FL

Why choose this provider?

Need help contacting a Financial Advisor in Clearwater? Call our Concierge team at 848-Book-Pro (848-266-5776 from 6 am - 4 pm PT | Mon - Fri). They are standing by to help you get the service you need.

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Price: Free booking service | Call 848.Book.Pro!

Website
4625 Little Road, Trinity, FL 34655
  • Insurance Products
  • Retirement Planning
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Why choose this provider?

Cornerstone Wealth Advisors is a financial advisory firm that lists the Clearwater metro as one of its service areas. It provides a broad range of financial services to help address the needs and goals of clients, including preparing for retirement and investing. Led by its president, Charles "Chuck" Walker, the firm's team of advisors assists in managing finances and planning estates. Chuck has been in the financial advisory industry for more than 38 years and is a Certified Financial Planner.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.8 / 5 (24)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
801 West Bay Drive Suite 517, Largo, FL 33770
  • Retirement Planning
  • Business Formation

Why choose this provider?

Premier Planning Partners is a wealth management firm that serves clients in Clearwater. It helps individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals through financial planning. The firm educates clients on 401k rollovers, IRAs, and retirement saving options to help them achieve financial independence. Its financial advisors create plans based on the needs, concerns, and goals of clients. Owner Marc D'Elia received his wealth management professional designation from The American College of Financial Services.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
285 Clearwater Largo Rd N, Largo, FL 33770
  • Private Wealth Advisor
  • Retirement Planning
  • Insurance Products

Why choose this provider?

Chambers Financial Group caters to individuals, families, and businesses throughout Clearwater. It helps clients manage their wealth and achieve financial independence by providing them with a wide range of services, including financial planning, portfolio allocation, investment management, risk management, and estate planning. The company also offers an array of insurance options such as long-term care, variable, term, and whole life insurance. Founder Curtis W. Chambers has earned the CFP designation and has been quoted in NBC News and The Wall Street Journal.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (19)
Google
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
220 Pine Ave. N Suite A, Oldsmar, FL 34677
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Retirement Planning

Why choose this provider?

Unified Wealth Management offers taxation and financial planning services to clients in Clearwater. Through a goal-based and life circumstance-guided approach, it provides professional advice on long-term and short-term investments, insurance policies, retirement plans, and estate plans. The company also caters to the tax preparation needs of startups and charitable donation plans of corporations. Dave Meglay, a member of the team, is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Financial Planner with over 19 years of experience.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Facebook
4.5 / 5 (106)
Google
5.0 / 5 (20)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
125 5th Street South Suite 201, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Why choose this provider?

Since 1999, Align Wealth Management has been assisting individuals and small business owners in Clearwater and neighboring areas in wealth growth and preservation matters. This independent fiduciary firm has Certified Financial Planners and Chartered Financial Analysts in the team that guides clients in retirement planning, investment management, and 401(k) plan management. They help them maximize their return while minimizing risk, cost, and tax. In 2019, the firm has been selected by Financial Times as one of the Top Financial Advisers.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
780 94th Ave N, Saint Petersburg, FL 33702
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Retirement Planning

Why choose this provider?

Deidre Fernald offers financial planning to the locals of Clearwater. She crafts plans that are centered around her client's lifestyle while tackling their top priorities such as spending and savings, retirement, debt management, family and education, and family protection. She accepts clients no matter where they're starting from financially. Fernald, a Certified Financial Planner, has been providing her planning services since 2004. Her goal is to educate, encourage, and give her clients the tools they need to be confident with their finances.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0

Website
1499 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd Suite 100, Clearwater, FL 33755
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Why choose this provider?

Universal Financial Consultants offers guidance to clients in the Clearwater and Tampa metro with concerns regarding growing and preserving their wealth. The firm helps clients identify their goals, analyze their current situations, and help make sure they are on the path to living the retirement of their dreams. UFC offers tax-saving strategies, business succession planning, and advanced estate planning solutions including premium financing. Universal Financial Consultants has offered financial guidance to clients for three decades and works with all of the top insurance carriers and lenders in the nation.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (12)
Google
4.6 / 5 (9)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
2637 McCormick Drive, Suite 101, Clearwater, FL 33759
  • Retirement Planning
  • Insurance Products

Why choose this provider?

The Holland Group is a Clearwater company that offers personal financial planning services to clients in the metro. It has been in business since 1993 and was founded by Steve and Elizabeth Holland, who both have been in the financial and insurance industry for over 30 years. Its services include wealth management, retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning, and life insurance. Steve has held over 1500 financial workshops and was featured on top news outlets NBC, CBS, and Fox.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Google
4.9 / 5 (58)
Yelp
3.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
9303 Seminole Blvd., Suite A, Seminole, FL 33772
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Why choose this provider?

Vernick Financial is an advisory firm that provides financial planning services to individuals and families in Clearwater and nearby areas. Its team of financial experts has more than 50 years of combined experience providing advice in various fields, such as retirement planning, charitable giving, risk management, and cash planning. The firm guides trustees, fiduciaries, and guardians in managing assets. Its founder, Mark Vernick, is a Certified Financial Planner who also has an Accredited Investment Fiduciary designation.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (21)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
335 Ninth Ave. S., Safety Harbor, FL 34695
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Retirement Planning

Why choose this provider?

MFP Financial Services offers financial guidance to the locals of Clearwater and the surrounding areas. The company works with its clients to guide them towards financial independence as they near retirement. Its advisors help clients achieve these goals through financial planning services that cover cash management, risk management, taxes and IRAs, inflation, retirement, and investing. Chris Mavrakos, the company president and CEO, is a Certified Financial Planner with more than 30 years of experience in wealth management.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (55)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2764 Sunset Point Road #600, Clearwater, FL 33759
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Retirement Planning

Why choose this provider?

George F. Cerwin Financial Management helps individuals gain financial wellness in Clearwater. The firm assists clients in securing their goals through financial planning. It also offers a variety of related services, including retirement, estate, insurance, and tax planning. The business also helps clients obtain a sound investment portfolio through investment planning. Namesake and president George F. Cerwin has over 40 years of experience. Cerwin is a Certified Financial Planner who is also an APFA founding member.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
611 Druid Road East, Suite 105, Clearwater, FL 33756
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Retirement Planning

Why choose this provider?

Since 1986, ProVise Management Group has been providing financial services to clients in Clearwater. It advises diverse people, from working professionals to retirees, on financial planning. The company educates them on areas like estate planning. It also offers the Personal Financial Officer program to help business owners with personal asset management. The company's CEO, V. Raymond Ferrara, was awarded the P. Kemp Fain Jr. Award in 2016 by the Financial Planning Association. He has over five decades of industry experience.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
3.8
Google
4.3 / 5 (6)
Yelp
1.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
26301 Us Hwy 19 N, Clearwater, FL 33761
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Why choose this provider?

The Carlson Group is a team of financial and wealth management advisors serving the community of Clearwater. Led by Mark Carlson who has more than 30 years of experience, the firm offers a goals-based approach to its client's investment-related decisions. It assists them in not only growing and preserving their wealth but also in transferring their legacy to their children. The team offers its recommendations in managing healthcare expenses, purchasing properties, and saving for retirement.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
2430 Estancia Boulevard, Clearwater, FL 33761
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Retirement Planning
  • Tax Planning

Why choose this provider?

Dolphin Financial Group is a wealth management company located in Clearwater. It offers financial advisory services, such as income planning, insurance planning, investment management, Social Security maximization, and risk assessment. Founder and CEO Daniel J. Wendol has 15 years of experience working in various capacities of financial planning. He also has prior experience as an equities trader. Additionally, Daniel holds licenses to act in a fiduciary capacity and as a health and life insurance broker.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (13)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Introduction

    There are many titles for financial professionals, so it's challenging to track what each one means. A financial advisor is probably the term you've heard most often. Financial advisor is a broad term for a professional who helps individuals or companies manage their finances, including investment choices. There are over 100 certifications that financial advisors can obtain.

    • Financial planners, wealth managers, and investment advisors are all financial advisors with different focus areas.
    • A financial planner helps an individual or a company make a plan to achieve long-term financial goals.
    • A wealth manager helps individuals maintain their wealth through various disciplines and services, such as taxes, estate planning, and investment advice.
    • An investment advisor offers investment advice and recommendations to individuals or organizations.
    There’s a misconception that you have to be extremely wealthy to use a financial advisor. In reality, they can be beneficial for people from any income level. Keep reading to find answers to the most commonly asked questions about financial advisors, so you know which type can fit your specific needs.

  • When is the ideal time to start financial planning in Clearwater?

    There is no specific time to start financial planning in Clearwater. However, initiating financial planning as early as possible yields greater benefits. Whether you start saving in high school or have been doing so for years, taking steps to plan, evaluate, and manage your finances today can boost your chances of achieving your life goals.

  • What are some advantages of financial planning in Clearwater?

    Financial planning in Clearwater offers a range of benefits:

    • Having savings enables you to withstand temporary unemployment or economic downturns that occur periodically.
    • Effective financial planning provides the financial resources needed to pursue career opportunities or buy a home.
    • With a solid financial plan in place, you can swiftly and efficiently adjust to unexpected situations such as death, divorce, job loss, or disability.
  • Is life insurance necessary during retirement in Clearwater?

    While life insurance is commonly linked to younger, employed families in Clearwater, its significance extends to retirement as well. In particular, life insurance can be useful during this stage for leaving a lasting legacy for future generations, paying off debts accumulated throughout retirement, replacing income following the passing of a spouse, and other similar things.

  • What does the term "401(k)" refer to in Clearwater?

    In Clearwater, the 401(k) is a retirement savings plan provided by your employer that allows you to set aside a portion of your income for retirement. The 401(k) permits bigger contributions than an individual retirement account. The plan may, however, have a small number of investment options available. Many 401(k) plans let you take money out of your account before you're 59 and a half years old, but some may charge you a penalty for doing so.

  • What are the reasons for engaging a financial advisor to handle your 401(k) and IRA plans in Clearwater?

    Hiring a financial advisor for your 401(k) and IRA plans in Clearwater offers several benefits, including:

    • Reduced tax burden: A local financial advisor creates personalized tax strategies to minimize payments, foster fund growth, and optimize tax benefits.
    • Optimal investment selection: Despite 401(k) limitations, a financial advisor assists in choosing investments that align with your objectives.
    • Goal-oriented financial planning: A financial fiduciary handles complex assets and develops a tailored plan to meet your goals.
  • Are financial advisors worth it?

    Whether or not a financial advisor is worth it depends on your personal situation. If your finances are fairly straightforward, then you may be better off handling it on your own. But if you have substantial assets or a complex investment portfolio, then hiring someone to handle it for you can be well worth the cost.