Best Orange County Financial Advisers

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Contributor, Benzinga
November 21, 2023

Orange County, often hailed as one of California's most iconic destinations, is not just about Disneyland, celebrated theme parks and manicured oceanfront towns lined with luxury yachts. With all the things you could spend money on, you need to make sure you're effectively securing your family's future, preparing for retirement and wisely investing your hard-earned money. Fortunately, the OC is home to some of the state's top-rated financial advisers who have been thoroughly prescreened with FINRA and SEC registrations.

Benzinga combed through many qualified financial advisers to bring you the top-rated financial advisers in Orange County.

Quick Look: Orange County Financial Advisers Near You

  • Best for Customized Financial Planning Solutions: NWF Advisory Services
  • Best Robo-Adviser: M1 Finance
  • Best for Simple Solutions: SPC Financial
  • Best for Retirement Planning: Orange Capital Management
  • Best Portfolio Analysis: Empower
  • Best for Personalization: SageView Advisory Group
  • Best for Institutional Consulting: Guardian Financial Partners

Best Financial Advisers in Orange County

1. Best for Customized Financial Planning Solutions: NWF Advisory Service

NWF ADVISORY SERVICES INC

NWF ADVISORY SERVICES INC

$1,059,362,518
  • A percentage of assets under your management
  • Hourly charges
  • Fixed fees (other than subscription fees)
None
25
3,015
Yes
86
8
  • Financial planning services
  • Pension consulting services
  • Selection of other advisers (including private fund managers)
  • Educational seminars/workshops
Address

11835 W OLYMPIC BLVD STE 1155 E.LOS ANGELES CA, 90064

Phone number

310-475-5854

Since 1969, NWF Advisory Group has been a trusted name among the best financial advisers in Orange County, providing clients with top-notch independent financial planning and wealth management services. Its team of experienced advisers uses an open architecture platform to access various products, investment vehicles and policies that are best suited for your situation. 

NWF Advisory Group remains committed to helping you create and achieve your goals based on your specific timeframe, resources and objectives. In 2019, the firm facilitated the acquisition of The Retirement Educators by two NWF-affiliated advisers, expanding its presence in the San Diego area and Las Vegas.

NWF Advisory Services Services

  • Portfolio management
  • Pension and 401(k) design
  • Estate and tax planning
  • Financial planning
  • Insurance planning
  • Educational planning

NWF Advisory Services Investment Strategy

NWF Advisory Services conducts a thorough assessment of client financial status, needs, goals and limitations before matching them with investment methods that align with their objectives, timeframes and risk tolerance. It provides tailored recommendations on the best investment products, vehicles and policies for each unique situation. 

Clients' portfolios account for 75% of total assets under management, while exchange-traded securities make up the remaining 25%. The company regularly monitors and reviews clients' portfolios' performance and adjusts strategies accordingly.

2. Best Robo-Adviser: M1 Finance

  • M1 Finance
    Best For:
    Customizable Auto Investing
    securely through M1 Finance's website

    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

M1 Finance is an online financial platform that combines features of robo-advisers, online brokers and banks. It allows you to invest in products like stocks, REITs, ETFs and cryptocurrencies, as well as borrow money and earn with a high-yield savings account. You can create your portfolio or choose from over 100 pre-built ones, called pies, based on different themes, goals or strategies. 

M1 Finance offers investors a highly customizable experience, allowing them to tailor their portfolios to match their risk tolerance, time horizon and personal choices. With commission-free trading for stocks and ETFs, including the option for fractional share investing with as little as $1, M1 Finance ensures accessibility for a wide range of investors. It also introduced the M1 High-Yield Savings Account in May 2023, offering a competitive 3.50% APY, which places it among the top-yielding savings accounts in the current market. 

M1 Finance Services

  • Investment management
  • Retirement investing
  • Personal loan
  • Margin loans
  • Banking services

M1 Finance Investment Strategy

M1 Finance offers personalized investment portfolios tailored to your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. You can create your portfolio or choose from expert-designed options. M1 offers micro-investing features like fractional shares and automatic dividend reinvestment to maximize returns. Dynamic rebalancing algorithms keep your portfolio aligned with your target weights without unnecessary trading.

3. Best for Simple Solutions: SPC Financial

SPC MANAGEMENT CO., INC.

SPC MANAGEMENT CO., INC.

$1,077,681,910
  • A percentage of assets under your management
  • Performance-based fees
None
8
N/A
No
60
0
    Address

    101 MISSION STREET SUITE 1900SAN FRANCISCO CA, 94105

    Phone number

    415-477-8500

    SPC Financial, a stalwart among financial advisers in OC, has been helping clients achieve their financial goals since 1978. With over $1 billion in assets under management (AUM), the firm has served over 2,000 families and various clients, including foundations, CEOs, attorneys, private business groups and entrepreneurs. 

    SPC Financial provides financial education and guidance through its Finance on a Human Level® planning program. The firm's advisers are insurance licensed and can assist with disability, life and long-term care insurance plans. 

    SPC Financial Services

    • Financial planning
    • Investment management
    • Retirement planning
    • Estate planning
    • Tax strategies

    SPC Financial's Investment Strategy

    SPC Financial believes in simplicity when it comes to solving complex financial problems. The company begins with a comprehensive planning process that includes analyzing your financial documents and goals, creating a customized wealth management plan that is tax-integrated, implementing the plan with the help of a team of financial planners and investment analysts and regularly monitoring your portfolio performance. 

    SPC Financial provides a tax plan to help you maximize your wealth potential. It offers access to investment products and services, including mutual funds, annuities, stocks, bonds, ETFs and retirement accounts. You can also connect with CPAs who can offer tax advice and guidance.

    4. Best for Retirement Planning: Orange Capital Management

    ORANGE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.

    ORANGE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.

    $0
    • A percentage of assets under your management
    • Hourly charges
    • Fixed fees (other than subscription fees)
    None
    9
    N/A
    No
    91
    0
    • Selection of other advisers (including private fund managers)
    Address

    333 SOUTH ANITA DRIVE SUITE 700ORANGE CA, 92868-3320

    Phone number

    714-634-8051

    Orange Capital Management, a prominent player in financial planning in Orange County, has been serving clients in Southern California and beyond since its establishment in 1990. The firm specializes in retirement planning, offering personalized and tax-efficient strategies to help clients maintain their lifestyle, manage risks and keep pace with inflation as they secure retirement income. It also provides wealth and investment management services, as well as estate and tax planning.

    Fees are charged based on the complexity and scope of the services provided and can be an hourly rate, flat fee, percentage of assets or a combination.

    Orange Capital Management Services

    • Financial planning
    • Investment management
    • Retirement planning
    • Income planning
    • Estate planning
    • Long-Term Care planning

    Orange Capital Management Investment Strategy

    The financial planners at Orange Capital use Advanced Time Segmentation Strategy™, a proprietary system that aligns your retirement income needs with your investment portfolio. This personalized approach creates inflation-adjusted income by allocating assets into time segments based on when they are expected to generate income.

    5. Best Portfolio Analysis: Empower

    Empower (formerly Personal Capital), is a financial platform offering free tools and paid advisory services for personal wealth management. Personal Capital, a leading personal wealth management firm, rebranded to Empower in 2023 following its acquisition in 2020 by Empower Retirement, a major retirement planning company. Empower aims to provide a comprehensive and personalized financial solution that combines data-driven technology and human advice to help customers achieve their financial goals.

    The free tools offered by Empower include the Empower Personal Dashboard, which allows users to see their net worth, cash flow, portfolio performance and retirement readiness in one place. Users can also link their financial accounts to get a complete overview of their finances. Empower's paid services include the Empower Personal Wealth program, which offers professional investment management and financial planning for a fee based on assets under management. 

    Empower Services

    • Personalized investment management
    • Financial planning and advice
    • Retirement products and solutions
    • Brokerage and banking services

    Empower's Investment Strategy

    Empower's investment strategy is built on five core principles: dynamic portfolio allocation, personalization, smart weighting, tax optimization and rebalancing. Using a blend of data-driven technology and human advice, Empower creates a personalized portfolio tailored to the user's financial goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. Empower's proprietary Smart Weighting™ methodology diversifies the portfolio across size, style and sector factors, potentially enhancing returns while reducing risk. 

    To maintain optimal allocation and performance, Empower continuously monitors and adjusts the portfolio as necessary. Empower also offers users a dedicated financial adviser for financial planning and behavioral coaching.

    6. Best for Investment Services: SageView Advisory Group

    SageView Advisory Group is an independent Registered Investment Adviser specializing in personalized retirement plans and wealth management solutions for clients across the United States. Since 1989, SageView has been providing exceptional service to institutions and individuals with integrity and professionalism. 

    With more than 30 offices nationwide and over 270 employees, the firm has overseen more than $156.4 billion in assets for 2,706 clients. The firm's advisers are experienced and knowledgeable in the financial industry, with a track record of working with some of the nation's largest and most complex plans.

    SageView Advisory Group Services

    • Retirement plan consulting and asset management
    • Asset management
    • Financial planning and consultations

    SageView Advisory Group Investment Strategy

    SageView Advisory Group, LLC employs a range of investment strategies to meet the diverse needs and goals of its clients. Investment portfolios reflect individual risk tolerance, time horizon and objectives. SageView has a 20-person investment committee with asset allocation and manager research specialists. With over four decades of experience designing investment portfolios for large corporations and government entities, SageView uses dynamic asset allocation and finds managers with prudent and repeatable processes.

    7. Best for Institutional Consulting: Guardian Financial Partners

    GUARDIAN FINANCIAL PARTNERS, LLC

    GUARDIAN FINANCIAL PARTNERS, LLC

    $186,340,221
    • A percentage of assets under your management
    • Fixed fees (other than subscription fees)
    $0
    3
    462
    Yes
    42
    8
    • Financial planning services
    • Pension consulting services
    • Selection of other advisers (including private fund managers)
    Address

    635 E. CHAPMAN AVE. ORANGE CA, 92866

    Phone number

    949-771-2969

    Guardian Financial Partners is a boutique wealth management firm specializing in institutional consulting and private wealth management. It serves corporations, foundations, endowments, family offices and high-net-worth individuals. Fees are based on the complexity and scope of the services provided and can be an hourly rate, a flat fee, a percentage of the assets or a combination of the above.

    In May 2021, Simplicity Group acquired Guardian Financial Group and added Jerry Whitley as its newest partner and shareholder. Simplicity Group is a leading financial product distribution company known for its rapid growth.

    Guardian Financial Partners Services

    • Wealth management
    • Financial planning
    • Investment management
    • Institutional consulting
    • Pension consulting
    • Selection of other advisers

    Guardian Financial Partners' Investment Strategy

    Guardian Financial Partners's True Financial Planning approach ensures that each client receives a tailored and tax-efficient wealth management plan that covers all aspects of their balance sheet and is regularly reviewed and adjusted. It offers a Dynamic Risk Asset Allocation Management Sleeves (DRAAMS) platform for flexible and customized tax-efficient portfolio solutions.

    Get the Best Orange County Financial Planner

    Whether saving for college or considering retirement, seeking the guidance of experienced financial advisers in Orange County can help you make the most of your income, plan for the long run and reach your financial goals. Keep in mind that each financial planner has its own unique approach and strengths, so evaluate firms based on your specific needs and goals. Remember, it's never too late to seek professional financial guidance. Don't hesitate to reach out for help.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q

    Who is the most trustworthy financial adviser?

    A

    The most trustworthy financial adviser varies based on individual preferences and needs. Researching and comparing different advisers is key to finding one that shares your goals and values.

    Q

    What is the average amount to pay a financial adviser?

    A

    The average fee for a financial adviser depends on the services provided, usually charged as a percentage of assets under management ranging from 0.25% to 2% annually.

    Q

    What is the best type of financial advice to have?

    A

    The best type of financial advice depends on your financial situation and goals, making it necessary to work with an adviser who can provide tailored advice and guidance based on your specific needs. Common types of financial advice include budgeting, investing, retirement planning and tax planning.

    About Anna Yen

    Anna Yen, CFA is a personal finance writer with over two decades of professional finance and writing experience in roles within JPMorgan and UBS derivatives, asset management, crypto, and Family Money Map. She specializes in writing about personal finance topics ranging from investments, budgeting, debt management, credit, student loans, insurance, and retirement planning to real estate and cryptocurrencies. Her work has been published on sites like Quicken, the crypto exchange Bybit, and Credit.com.