Our Mission
Best Financial Planners researches, ranks, and reviews financial planners serving NYC, with separate lists for common needs like retirement planning, investment management, and tax-aware planning. The site screens firms for baseline credibility (registration status, disciplinary history, and years in business) and then compares practical factors such as fee model (fee-only, fee-based, or commission), account minimums, specialties, and service scope. Profiles spell out what a client is likely to pay and how the planner gets paid, so conflicts of interest are easier to spot. Rankings are updated quarterly to reflect changes in filings, ownership, disclosures, and service offerings. The value is time saved: readers can compare several NYC-area options in minutes instead of calling dozens of offices. The trade-off is that rankings cannot capture personal fit, meeting style, or how responsive a specific advisor will be after onboarding. Readers can review the current NYC rankings and methodology to see how firms were scored and why they placed where they did.
Unbiased
We maintain strict editorial independence. No provider can pay to influence their ranking.
Tested
Every provider is mystery shopped to verify their customer service claims.
Verified
We check licenses, insurance, and legal standing so you don't have to.
The Ranking Factors
Verified Reviews
Credentials Check
Mystery Shopping
Pricing Transparency
Eligibility Criteria
Local Reach
National or international reach
Experience
A minimum of ten years experience in financial planning
Impact
A minimum of 100 successful financial plans in the previous three years