The Bay Area’s proximity to Silicon Valley makes it one of the wealthiest – and most expensive – cities in America. There’s no shortage of top-rated financial advisers in San Francisco to provide guidance for all money matters. Benzinga’s here to help you whittle down your options and find the best fit for your needs.
Table of Contents
- Best Financial Adviser in San Francisco, California
- Financial Planning in the Golden City
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Look: Best Financial Adviser in San Francisco Near You
- Best for Investment Management: Schwab Wealth Advisory
- Best Robo-Adviser: M1 Finance
- Best for Integrated Financial Planning and Wealth Management: Cerity Partners, LLC
- Best for Career Coaching: Bell Investment Advisers
- Best Portfolio Analysis: Empower Advisory Group
- Best for Nontraditional Families: Financial Connections Group
Best Financial Adviser in San Francisco, California
1. Best for Investment Management: Schwab Wealth Advisory, Inc. (Formerly Schwab Private Client)
SCHWAB PRIVATE CLIENT INVESTMENT ADVISORY, INC.
$91,149,393,168
- Other
$500,000
603
41,238
Yes
93
8
- Financial planning services
Available for Premium
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Address
211 MAIN STREET SAN FRANCISCO CA, 94105
Phone number
415-667-7000
free consultation
Email address
bluewater-management@gmail.com
bluewater-asset@gmail.com
Get a free a 15 minute meeting
A subsidiary of Charles Schwab, a large bank and brokerage service, Schwab Wealth Advisory has provided investment management since 1999. Schwab counts retail investors, high-net-worth individuals, small businesses, estates, trusts and corporations among its clientele. As of December 2022, it boasted over $128 billion in assets under management (AUM).
Schwab’s services are fee-based, ranging from 0.40% to 1%+. Account minimums range from $0 to $500,000 depending on the services you require. While Schwab’s brokerage relationship with its parent company can present opportunities for conflicts of interest, it’s also bound by its fiduciary agreement to act in your best interests.
Schwab Wealth Advisory Client Services
- Investment advisory
- Retirement planning
- Portfolio management
- Wealth management
Schwab Wealth Advisory Client Investment Strategy
Schwab offers non-discretionary management, which means the client must sign off on money movements. The firm’s 800+ nationwide investment advisers focus on diversification within a client’s goals, whether they prefer income or growth tactics.Every portfolio is individualized based on your risk tolerance and growth/income needs. Strategies range from short-term to long-term and may include assets like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and options.
2. Best Robo-Adviser: M1 Finance
- M1 Finance
securely through M1 Finance's website
securely through M1 Finance's website
Best For:
Customizable Auto Investing
Brokerage products and services are offered by M1 Finance, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of M1 Holdings, Inc. ✝Your free trial (a $30 value) begins the date you enroll in the M1 Plus subscription, and ends 3 months after (“Free Trial”). Upon the expiry of the Free Trial, your account is automatically billed a monthly subscription fee of $10 unless you elect annual billing of $95 or cancel your subscription under your Membership details in the M1 Platform
Just because you’re looking for financial planning in San Francisco doesn’t mean your advisory has to be in SF (or even human). With M1 Finance’s robo-advisory service, you can open and manage your portfolio from anywhere.
M1 Finance is geared toward self-starting and experienced investors, offering a combination of robo-advisory and online brokerage services. Choose from over 80 expertly designed investment pies, design your own or mix-and-match slices.
M1 is also affordable, with no investment management fees and fractional share investing readily available. You can open a Basic account with a minimum $100 investment ($500 for retirement accounts). Upgrade to M1 Plus for $95 a year and get preferred trading windows and better rates on margin loans.
M1 Finance Services
- Self-direct trading
- Established Expert Portfolios
- High-yield savings accounts
- Margin loans
- Cashback rewards programs
- Retirement investing
M1 Finance Investment Strategy
M1’s self-directed trading pushes investors to do their own research before investing. Mimic an established portfolio, build your own or use a combination of the two. Use fractional stock and ETF shares for affordable trading or leverage margin loans for a greater risk-reward tradeoff. It’s your account – you get to design your strategy.
3. Best for Integrated Financial Planning and Wealth Management: Cerity Partners, LLC (Formerly Bingham Osborn & Scarborough Wealth Management)
B|O|S
$4,056,828,929
- A percentage of assets under your management
- Hourly charges
- Fixed fees (other than subscription fees)
$3,000,000 for Individuals; $5,000,000 for Institutions
27
167
Yes
94
6
- Financial planning services
- Pension consulting services
- Selection of other advisers (including private fund managers)
- Publication of periodicals or newsletters
- Educational seminars/workshops
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Address
345 CALIFORNIA STREET, SUITE 1100 SAN FRANCISCO CA, 94104
Phone number
415-781-8535
free consultation
Email address
bluewater-management@gmail.com
bluewater-asset@gmail.com
Get a free a 15 minute meeting
In late 2021, Bingham Osborn & Scarborough Wealth Management merged with Cerity Partners to create a stronger and deeper firm. But its commitment to clients remains the same: to provide full-service wealth management to individuals, family offices, businesses and nonprofits.
Cerity promises diverse solutions for diverse financial needs and comprehensive financial advice and oversight. While the $2 million account minimum is a steep, it’s one of the best financial advisers in San Francisco as evidenced by its multiple awards, including ranking on multiple Barron’s Adviser Top 100 lists.
Cerity boasts over $52 billion in AUM, bias-free advisory services with no third-party commissions and a fee-only structure.
Cerity Services
- Financial planning
- Financial wellness coaching
- Retirement planning
- Investment advisory
- Investment management
- Estate and gift planning
- Tax planning
- Insurance planning
- Risk management
- Business planning
- Family office services
- CFO and accounting services
- Trust services
- Nonprofit services
Cerity Investment Strategy
Cerity Partners offers granular, personalized advice and strategies. It diversifies strategies based on your risk-return needs, with profiles ranging from conservative to aggressive. Your asset allocation may include cash, global equities and fixed-income assets, real return assets, hedge funds and private equity.
4. Best for Career Coaching: Bell Investment Advisers, Inc.
BELL INVESTMENT ADVISORS INC
$459,769,451
- A percentage of assets under your management
- Hourly charges
- Fixed fees (other than subscription fees)
$500,000
6
69
Yes
91
4
- Financial planning services
- CAREER COUNSELING
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Address
1111 BROADWAY SUITE 1630OAKLAND CA, 94607-4007
Phone number
510-433-1066
free consultation
Email address
bluewater-management@gmail.com
bluewater-asset@gmail.com
Get a free a 15 minute meeting
Bell Investment Advisers is a fee-only fiduciary and financial planner offering traditional financial planning and investment management services. With over 100 years of combined financial services experience, its goal is to make a good life happen.
Bell sets a minimum balance of $750,000 across clients’ accounts, and it boasts an impressive $577.5 million in AUM. The firm’s client base includes retail investors, trusts, estates, pensions, mutual funds, businesses and philanthropic entities.
Bell Investment stands out for its unique option of life and career coaching for clients. The firm offers several woman-focused events, including roundtable discussions focused on financial planning. It prioritizes philanthropy and service within the local community.
Bell Investment Services
- Financial planning
- Investment management
- Career coaching
Bell Investment Strategy
Bell’s investment strategy combines market research insights with a client-focused approach. Advisers work with you to determine your needs and goals, then design a strategy to get you from Point A to Point B.
Bell notes that it prefers no-load mutual funds and ETFs for their diversification benefits and lower costs. It does not use leverage (margin trading). It may buy individual stocks to fit client needs or engage in short-term trades for tax management purposes. But as a rule, this adviser prefers long-term strategies.
5. Best Portfolio Analysis: Empower Advisory Group
- Empower
securely through Empower's website
securely through Empower's website
Best For:
High Net Worth Individuals
Rating:
Read Review
Empower Advisory Group, formerly Personal Capital, is an automated wealth manager and comprehensive financial planner. The firm rebranded in 2023, three years after retirement planning firm Empower acquired the service.
Today, Empower offers free money management tools to all investors, plus paid services to those who can meet its $100,000 account minimum. Investors enjoy perks like total financial oversight, portfolio analysis tools and a combination of human and robo advisory. The end result: human-led financial planning in San Francisco (and elsewhere), customized portfolios and ongoing investment management.
Empower Services
- Free financial planning
- Portfolio analysis
- Financial management tools
- Retirement planning
- Investment management
Empower Investment Strategy
After linking your accounts and highlighting your financial circ*mstances and goals, Empower’s automated tools devise a strategy to fit your needs. It typically takes a long-term view with assets like stocks, bonds, REITs, commodities and private equity. Empower’s Smart WeightingTM tech also aims to enhance returns and reduce risk.
6. Best for Nontraditional Families: Financial Connections Group, Inc.
FINANCIAL CONNECTIONS GROUP, INC.
$265,368,326
- A percentage of assets under your management
- Hourly charges
- Fixed fees (other than subscription fees)
$750,000
N/A
131
Yes
46
6
- Financial planning services
- TAX PREPARATION
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Address
21 TAMAL VISTA BLVD. #105CORTE MADERA CA, 94925-1186
Phone number
415-924-1091
free consultation
Email address
bluewater-management@gmail.com
bluewater-asset@gmail.com
Get a free a 15 minute meeting
San Francisco is renowned for its accepting attitude and celebrating diversity. Financial Connections Group incorporates these beliefs into its investment strategy, proudly serving:
- LGBTQ couples
- Unmarried clients
- Families with unique financial situations (adoption, divorce, combining wealth)
Financial Connections offers fee-only comprehensive planning and investment management for these and other clients. Its advisers work in teams of two to ensure that every client receives the experience and judgment of multiple experts.
FC clients can choose from two services. Its Customized Portfolios ioption sets a minimum balance requirement of $400,000 and charges 0.75% of AUM. Its digital robo-adviser option, FC Digital, is more affordable with a minimum investment of $10,000 and fees of 0.5% of AUM.
Financial Connections Services
- Financial planning
- Retirement planning
- Investment management
Financial Connections Investment Strategy
FC’s investment strategy focuses on fitting your strategy to your goals, timeframe and financial needs. Every client is different, so advisers work with you as a team to build a plan with multiple options and alternatives. Plans generally mix passive index-style investing with active stock and bond selection. FC also offers SRI and ESG strategies to fit individual needs, lifestyles and values.
Financial Planning in the Golden City
Managing your money can be hard work, with new challenges introduced with every life event and market movement. Choosing from among the best financial advisers in SF can make things easier.
Their expertise can guide you in setting and meeting goals, selecting an investment strategy, minimizing your tax obligations and preparing for retirement. Many San Francisco financial planners go even further by teaching the basics of finance, from handling debt to business investment advice.
Whether you’re looking to fund a major life event or plan for a comfortable retirement, a financial adviser can set you on the right path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q
What are three questions you should ask your financial adviser?
A
You should ask your financial adviser:
- What services do you provide? (Wealth management, investment management, financial planning, etc.)
- Are you a fiduciary? (Legally obligated to act in their clients’ best interests.)
- What professional financial experience and certifications do you have? (CFP or ChFC certifications, fund management experience, etc.)
The answers to these questions will help you decide if prospective advisers have the experience and expertise to earn your trust – and money.
Q
What to avoid in a financial adviser?
Q
When do you need a financial adviser?
A
Anyone can benefit from a financial adviser, regardless of their income, net worth or goals. A financial adviser is there to work with you to build wealth and secure your financial future. Who doesn’t want that?
As a seasoned financial expert with years of experience in the industry, I have a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in selecting the best financial advisers. My expertise is grounded in hands-on experience, extensive research, and a proven track record of guiding individuals and businesses toward financial success.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article:
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Bay Area and Silicon Valley Proximity:
- The Bay Area's proximity to Silicon Valley is highlighted as a key factor contributing to its wealth and high living costs. Silicon Valley is known as a hub for technology and innovation, attracting significant financial activity.
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Financial Advisers in San Francisco:
- The article emphasizes the wealth and financial complexity in the Bay Area, leading to a demand for top-rated financial advisers in San Francisco.
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Table of Contents and Article Structure:
- The structure of the article includes a table of contents, making it reader-friendly and helping individuals navigate through different sections easily.
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Financial Adviser Recommendations:
- The article provides a list of recommended financial advisers in San Francisco, each specializing in various aspects of financial services.
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Schwab Wealth Advisory:
- This section details Schwab Wealth Advisory, a subsidiary of Charles Schwab, focusing on investment management. It includes key information such as assets under management (AUM), pay structure, account minimums, and services offered.
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M1 Finance - Robo-Adviser:
- M1 Finance is highlighted as a robo-adviser option, suitable for self-starting and experienced investors. The article outlines its features, such as customizable auto-investing, investment strategy, and account minimums.
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Cerity Partners, LLC:
- Cerity Partners, formed through a merger, is presented as an option for integrated financial planning and wealth management. Details include AUM, account minimums, services provided, and its investment strategy.
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Bell Investment Advisers:
- Bell Investment Advisers is recognized for career coaching in addition to financial planning and investment management. Information includes AUM, pay structure, and services offered.
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Empower Advisory Group (Formerly Personal Capital):
- The section introduces Empower Advisory Group as an automated wealth manager with a rebranding in 2023. It covers the services offered, investment strategy, and minimum account requirements.
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Financial Connections Group:
- This section highlights Financial Connections Group's focus on nontraditional families and its fee-only comprehensive planning. Details include AUM, account minimums, services, and investment strategy.
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Conclusion - Financial Planning in San Francisco:
- The article concludes by emphasizing the challenges of managing money and the importance of selecting the right financial adviser in San Francisco. It mentions the role of advisers in setting goals, selecting investment strategies, and preparing for retirement.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
- The article includes a FAQ section that addresses common questions about choosing a financial adviser. It covers topics such as services provided, fiduciary status, and the qualifications of financial advisers.
In summary, the article comprehensively explores various financial advisers in San Francisco, catering to different needs and preferences. It provides detailed insights into each adviser's services, strategies, and key attributes, assisting readers in making informed decisions.
