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Best Financial Advisors in Durham

2024

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SmartAdvisor by SmartAsset

Durham, NC
  • Estate Planning
  • Retirement Planning
  • Investment Management
  • 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
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Price: Free Consultation

Durham, NC

Why choose this provider?

Need help contacting a Financial Advisor in Durham? 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
5315 Highgate Drive, Suite 105, Durham, NC 27713
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Why choose this provider?

Bryant & Brannock develops financial plans and investment strategies for individuals and families in Durham. It also assists with insurance matters. By holding ongoing discussions, its agents are familiarized with clients' distinct circumstances—their incomes, assets, debts, and liabilities—and are thus able to identify risks and opportunities and devise solutions accordingly. Bill Bryant and Mike Brannock, who formed the company in 2016, have worked together for over a decade. Bryant has 20 years of industry experience and is a Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist.

License Verified:

License: 148254

Investment Adviser Public Disclosure Database, SEC

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
Raleigh, NC 27513
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Why choose this provider?

Ebner Financial Group is an advisory firm serving Durham. The firm performs a wide range of financial and wealth management solutions from retirement planning and education to investment and insurance product guidance. Led by founder Doug Ebner, its financial advisors help clients with assessing investment tolerance and guide small businesses with 401k benefits planning. Ebner has been in the financial services industry for 25 years. He is a member of the Million Dollar Round Table.

License Verified:

License: 158781

Investment Adviser Public Disclosure Database, SEC

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
7780 Brier Creek Parkway, Raleigh, NC 27617
  • Estate Planning
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Why choose this provider?

Southeast Financial Group is a team of wealth planners, research analysts, and investment advisors serving Durham and the surrounding areas. It is an independent registered investment advisor with $110 million in assets under management. The firm's financial planning method involves goal analysis, budget management, and planning for significant life events. In addition, it also handles investment planning, legacy planning, and asset protection. Edward B. Secrest, a Certified Financial Planner, founded the company in 2001.

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
3622 Lyckan Parkway, Durham, NC 27707
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Why choose this provider?

Pinafore Wealth Counsel provides customized strategies, total wealth planning, financial transition planning, and risk management. It is an investment advisory firm serving clients in Durham and the local areas. With 50 years of combined experience, the firm focuses on clients' best interests and works closely with them to develop customized solutions that are aligned with their financial goals. Pinafore Wealth Counsel was co-founded by Lisa M. Gabriel, who has been providing investments and financial planning services for over 30 years.

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
6340 Quadrangle Dr. Suite 100, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
  • Estate Planning

Why choose this provider?

Hilltop Wealth Advisors serves clients in and around the Durham metro. The Chapel Hill-based company provides personalized financial advice via a proactive approach to planning, which involves building an investment portfolio that fits clients' goals. Its team of financial experts collaborates with clients' other advisors to strategize and implement plans. It also offers retirement income and estate planning strategies. Hilltop Wealth Advisors is an independent firm that has been helping its clients weather financial crises and many other personal life events since 1989.

License Verified:

License: CRD#283014

Investment Adviser Public Disclosure Database, SEC

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 (5)

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
5425 Page Road, Durham, NC 27703
  • Retirement Planning

Why choose this provider?

TIAA Financial Services is a wealth management firm that serves Durham. It offers individual advisory services, helping clients prepare for various life goals, such as leaving a legacy, planning for retirement, or saving for college. TIAA Financial Services has been around for more than 100 years and has more than $1.3-trillion in assets under management. Additionally, the professionals from this company consider environmental, social, and governance factors in its investment research and decision-making.

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
4000 Westchase Blvd. Suite 300, Raleigh, NC 27607
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Why choose this provider?

Premier Advisor Group LLC has been serving Durham and surrounding communities for over 15 years. The firm provides custom strategies to help each client reach their unique financial goals. It assesses clients' financial situations, reviews investment portfolios, and makes recommendations regarding education funding, estate planning, asset allocation, and tax strategies. It also assists clients in developing plans for charitable giving that maximizes their contributions while reducing taxes. The founder and president, Janet Ramsey, is a certified financial planner.

License Verified:

License: 1317643

Investment Adviser Public Disclosure Database, SEC

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
3001 Academy Road, Durham, NC 27707
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Tax Planning

Why choose this provider?

Established in 1991, Erickson is a financial advisory firm that helps Durham clients to secure their financial future. The firm analyzes the client’s financial picture and their goals in building an investment framework. It also offers fiduciary financial planning for both short-term and long-term goals. In addition, the firm’s asset management utilizes investment strategies to manage the client’s portfolio, including analytic tools and risk budgeting analysis. The family-owned firm also has a specialized team that minimizes obstructions to a client’s wealth transfer.

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
4721 Emperor Boulevard, Durham, NC 27703
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Retirement Planning
  • Business Tax Preparation
  • Business Formation

Why choose this provider?

Gordon Asset Management was founded in 2001 to serve clients in Durham. The firm offers a range of solutions, including financial planning and asset management. In addition, it also helps business owners with tax minimization strategies, business transitions, and retirement benefits. Gordon Asset Management uses a web-based tool where people can access their finances and track their account performance. Founder Joe Gordon is a Certified Investment Management Analyst and 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.
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
100 Europa Dr. Suite 425, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Why choose this provider?

Hamilton Point is a financial advisory firm serving Durham and the surrounding locations. Its team of investment professionals builds portfolios comprising individually acquired bonds and stocks. They also develop financial plans for clients looking to prepare for retirement. Additionally, they offer estate planning assistance. Hamilton Point oversees assets amounting to hundreds of millions. It is headed by Rick Woods, a Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Private Wealth Advisor, who crafts wealth management plans for high-net-worth individuals.

License Verified:

License: 144534

Investment Adviser Public Disclosure Database, SEC

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
Durham, NC 27701
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Retirement Planning
  • Tax Planning

Why choose this provider?

Fortitude Financial Planning is an investment advisory firm operating in Durham. It guides young professionals through ongoing financial planning, tax preparation, and investment management which include investment recommendations, a secure financial site, and regular meetings. For clients who are looking for a one-time engagement or second opinion, the firm assists with tax planning, home affordability, and employee benefits review. Its founder, Travis Tracy, is a Certified Financial Planner and an Enrolled Agent who has been working in the industry for seven years.

License Verified:

License: 309750

Investment Adviser Public Disclosure Database, SEC

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.
4.3

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
5540 Centerview Dr Ste 418, Raleigh, NC 27606
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Why choose this provider?

Abundant Life Group provides financial advice to residents of Durham and the neighboring communities. Its team of financial advisors creates personalized strategies, including a 3D secure income distribution plan, developing a wealth cycle investment, and risk management accounting to reduce the client's worries about the future. It also helps clients with wealth management, estate planning, and trusts. Customers considering investments may opt for guidance in mutual funds, managed accounts, brokerage, and interval funds. Other offerings from the company include health and disability income insurance.

License Verified:

License: 5151262

Investment Adviser Public Disclosure Database, SEC

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
2530 Meridian Parkway, Durham, NC 27713
  • Estate Planning
  • Tax Planning

Why choose this provider?

Stalwart Financial Planning is a financial and wealth management services company that serves clients in Durham. It offers a wide array of financial planning and investment services, including tax management, estate planning, investment management, and retirement planning and projections. Isaac Allen, the firm's founder, started the company to provide clients financial planning and investment management services, regardless of their income or net worth. Stalwart Financial Planning is a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors and the Garett Planning Network. 

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 (5)

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
1414 Raleigh Rd, Suite 420, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
  • Estate Planning
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Retirement Planning

Why choose this provider?

The Jester Group has been offering financial advice to individuals and families in Durham and its neighboring communities for over 30 years. It helps clients with financial planning, investing, risk assessment, and wealth management. It also advises them in matters relating to tax, insurance, charitable giving, and estate planning. Its founder, Gene Jester, is a former parish minister who found his calling in helping people manage their finances. He is a Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist, and Certified Private Wealth Advisor.

License Verified:

License: 1751690

Investment Adviser Public Disclosure Database, SEC

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
3917 University Drive, Durham, NC 27707
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Why choose this provider?

Adams Chetwood Wealth Management Group is an independent investment advisory firm that caters to clients in Durham and its neighboring metros. It offers investment management and financial planning options such as estate investment planning, retirement planning, education planning, and insurance analysis. In addition, its team of professionals provides individual 401(k) monitoring and advice services, including retirement plan structure analysis, 401(k) allocation customization, and annual financial checkups. Adams Chetwood Wealth Management Group was established in 2015.

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 (5)
Facebook
5.0 / 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
3622 Lyckan Parkway, Durham, NC 27707
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1993, Kuhn Advisors, Inc., is a financial and wealth management services company that serves clients in Durham and its surrounding areas. It offers a complete lineup of financial products and services, including financial and retirement planning, and investment management services. Mark Kuhn, the firm's founder, is a certified public accountant who worked as a director for public securities for the Duke Management Company. Kuhn Advisors has 28 years of experience in the financial services industry.

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
3100 Tower Boulevard, Durham, NC 27707
  • Estate Planning
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Why choose this provider?

Tucker Bria Wealth Strategies is a financial advisory firm that assists Durham clients of all walks of life in becoming financially confident. Founded in 2013, the firm develops wealth advisory strategies for the client’s financial needs. It builds the client’s investment portfolio to accumulate wealth. The firm also minimizes financial risks through risk management. Moreover, it handles taxation to lessen tax liabilities. Estate planning and retirement planning are likewise available. The co-founder, James H. Tucker, is a Certified Financial Planner and a Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist.

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
5302 North Carolina 55, Durham, NC 27713
  • Tax Planning

Why choose this provider?

Fulbright Financial Consulting, PA, has been serving individuals and business owners in the community of Durham and the surrounding areas since 1986. The financial firm provides a wide range of services, such as educational funding, retirement planning, cash flow management, business planning, employee benefits planning, and risk management services. Its financial advisors have a collective industry experience of more than 40 years. The firm's founder and owner, Edward D. Fulbright, holds a personal financial specialist 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
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (22)

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.
4.5
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.

  • In Durham, which education expenses are qualified in a 529 plan?

    If you have a child in Durham and obtained a 529 plan, some of their expenses in any vocational schools, post-secondary educational institutions, colleges, and universities are covered by the 529 plan. These qualified expenses include rooms and boards, tuition, books, computers and peripheral equipment, and school supplies. For K-12 students studying in elementary or secondary public and religious or private schools, their tuition expenses of up to $10,000 per year per beneficiary are considered qualified.

  • How can you determine your asset allocation in Durham?

    To determine your asset allocation in Durham, you must subtract your age from 110 to determine what percentage of your investment should be in stock. This should be allocated in cash and bonds. If you are 50 years old, your stocks should be 60%. As you get older, your stock percentage will decrease. Allocating your assets depends on various factors, including your growth objectives, target retirement date, and contribution rate.

  • For returning or existing clients in Durham, what information should they provide to review their financial plan?

    Returning or existing clients in Durham should provide the following information to review their financial plan. They should prepare their most recent pay stubs and tax returns, updated social security statements, latest account statements for all their investment accounts, and credit union accounts and cash balances in banking. They should also give a copy of their loans, liability, and mortgage statements. It must be submitted three weeks before the meeting.

  • What are the advantages of working with a fee-only financial advisor in Durham?

    Working with a fee-only financial advisor in Durham allows clients to get guidance and services tailored to their objectives and finances. Fee-only financial advisors always put their client's interests first because they are independent and compensated by client fees. They customize financial plans that fit clients' financial goals. Their services are free from the influence of commissions and affiliations.

  • How do financial planners build portfolios for individuals and businesses in Durham?

    Financial planners build portfolios to help individuals and businesses in Durham reach their investment and financial goals. They determine the optimal portfolio for their clients by getting to know them and their businesses, analyzing their financial situation, and conducting a risk analysis of their desires, objectives, and financial situation. In addition, they ask clients important questions and select a strategy that corresponds with their risk tolerance and short- and long-term objectives.

  • 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.