Introduction
Finding the right Financial Advisor in Los Angeles can feel high-stakes. Between high housing costs, complex taxes, equity compensation, and a wide range of income levels—from early-career creatives to business owners and executives—many residents want professional guidance that’s tailored to their real life.
In this guide, you’ll learn what a Financial Advisor does, what it typically costs in Los Angeles, and how to compare firms on services, transparency, and fit.
This list was evaluated using publicly available signals where known (business presence, service offerings, regulatory context, and reputational indicators). Where specific details (like local office phone numbers or public ratings) are not consistently published, they’re marked as Not publicly stated.
About Financial Advisor
A Financial Advisor helps you make decisions about money with a structured plan—often across budgeting, investing, retirement, taxes (coordination), insurance needs, and estate planning coordination. Some advisors focus on investment management, while others deliver comprehensive planning that ties together multiple goals.
You may want a Financial Advisor when you’re dealing with a major change or high complexity, such as buying a home in Los Angeles, receiving RSUs/stock options, selling a business, inheriting assets, managing multiple accounts, or trying to retire with confidence.
Average cost in Los Angeles varies based on service type and assets:
- Assets Under Management (AUM): commonly around 0.50%–1.50% annually (varies by tier and provider)
- Hourly planning: often $150–$400+ per hour
- Flat-fee plans: commonly $1,000–$7,500+ per year or per plan
Exact pricing depends on the firm and the scope of work.
Licensing and certifications depend on what the advisor provides:
- Investment advice is typically delivered by Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs) or Investment Adviser Representatives (IARs), regulated by the SEC and/or state regulators.
- Brokerage services may involve FINRA registrations (for example, Series exams), depending on the products and model.
- Common professional marks include CFP (Certified Financial Planner), CFA, and CPA/PFS—but credentials vary by advisor.
Key takeaways
- A Financial Advisor can provide planning, investment management, or both.
- The “best” advisor depends on your goals, complexity, and preferred fee model.
- Costs range widely; clarity on fees and conflicts is essential.
- Check registrations and credentials, and ask how the advisor is compensated.
How We Selected the Best Financial Advisor in Los Angeles
We used a practical, consumer-first set of criteria to narrow down reputable options with Los Angeles availability:
- Years of experience (firm history and/or advisor background where publicly known)
- Verified customer review signals (publicly available only; if not consistent, marked as Not publicly stated)
- Service range (planning, retirement, investment management, specialty needs)
- Pricing transparency (clear explanation of fee model; exact fees may vary)
- Local reputation and presence (Los Angeles market relevance, office availability, recognizable brand trust)
Only information that is publicly available and confidently known is included. If a detail varies by location or is not consistently published (like a local email address), it’s listed as Not publicly stated to avoid guessing.
About Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a sprawling, diverse metro with a wide range of financial needs—entertainment and media professionals, tech workers, small business owners, retirees, and families managing high cost-of-living realities. Demand for Financial Advisor services is often driven by real estate decisions, tax complexity, variable income, and long-term retirement planning.
Many advisors serve clients across major areas including Downtown Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Century City, Hollywood, Pasadena, Glendale, and the San Fernando Valley. Specific neighborhood coverage varies by firm and advisor team.
Top 5 Best Financial Advisor in Los Angeles
#1 — Edelman Financial Engines
- Rating: Not publicly stated
- Years of Experience: Varies / depends (firm founded 1986; years vary by advisor)
- Services Offered: Financial planning, retirement planning, investment management, goal-based planning (service mix varies by program)
- Price Range: Varies / depends (often AUM-based; exact pricing not publicly stated for all programs)
- Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
- Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
- Website (if available): https://www.edelmanfinancialengines.com/
- Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link (Leave it blank)
- Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”): Not publicly stated
- Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Retirement-focused households seeking structured planning with a large national firm
#2 — Charles Schwab (Schwab Wealth Advisory)
- Rating: Not publicly stated
- Years of Experience: Varies / depends (Charles Schwab founded 1971; advisor experience varies)
- Services Offered: Wealth management, portfolio management, retirement planning, planning consultations (availability varies by offering)
- Price Range: Varies / depends (fees depend on advisory program; not publicly stated as a single rate here)
- Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
- Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
- Website (if available): https://www.schwab.com/
- Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link (Leave it blank)
- Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”): Not publicly stated
- Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Investors who want a well-known platform with advisory options and broad branch access
#3 — Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
- Rating: Not publicly stated
- Years of Experience: Varies / depends (Morgan Stanley founded 1935; advisor tenure varies)
- Services Offered: Wealth management, financial planning, investment advisory, retirement strategies (specific services depend on the advisor team)
- Price Range: Varies / depends (pricing depends on service model and account type)
- Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
- Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
- Website (if available): https://www.morganstanley.com/
- Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link (Leave it blank)
- Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”): Not publicly stated
- Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): High-net-worth clients who want access to full-service wealth management teams
#4 — Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
- Rating: Not publicly stated
- Years of Experience: Varies / depends (Merrill founded 1914; advisor experience varies)
- Services Offered: Financial planning, investment management, retirement planning, banking integration options (depends on team and program)
- Price Range: Varies / depends (fee schedules vary by service; not publicly stated as a single range)
- Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
- Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
- Website (if available): https://www.ml.com/
- Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link (Leave it blank)
- Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”): Not publicly stated
- Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Clients who prefer an established brand and integrated banking/wealth options
#5 — UBS Wealth Management (UBS Financial Services)
- Rating: Not publicly stated
- Years of Experience: Varies / depends (UBS history dates to 19th century; advisor experience varies)
- Services Offered: Wealth management, investment advisory, financial planning (services vary by office and advisor)
- Price Range: Varies / depends (fees depend on mandate, account type, and services)
- Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
- Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
- Website (if available): https://www.ubs.com/
- Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link (Leave it blank)
- Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”): Not publicly stated
- Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Premium clients looking for global wealth management capabilities and specialized advice
Comparison Table
| Professional | Rating | Experience | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edelman Financial Engines | Not publicly stated | Varies / depends (founded 1986) | Varies / depends | Retirement-focused planning with a large advisory firm |
| Charles Schwab (Schwab Wealth Advisory) | Not publicly stated | Varies / depends (founded 1971) | Varies / depends | Platform-first investors who want advisory options |
| Morgan Stanley Wealth Management | Not publicly stated | Varies / depends (founded 1935) | Varies / depends | High-net-worth, team-based wealth management |
| Merrill Lynch Wealth Management | Not publicly stated | Varies / depends (founded 1914) | Varies / depends | Established brand with integrated banking options |
| UBS Wealth Management | Not publicly stated | Varies / depends | Varies / depends | Premium clients needing global capabilities |
Cost of Hiring a Financial Advisor in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, pricing commonly reflects both the city’s cost structure and the complexity many clients bring (real estate decisions, variable income, equity comp, and multi-account households).
Typical pricing models include:
- AUM fees: often 0.50%–1.50% per year of assets managed (tiered schedules are common)
- Hourly consulting: often $150–$400+ per hour
- Flat-fee planning: commonly $1,000–$7,500+ depending on depth (single plan vs. ongoing)
- Retainer models: monthly/annual retainers may apply (amount varies / depends)
Emergency pricing: Traditional financial planning is usually not an emergency service like plumbing or towing. Some firms can schedule urgent consultations (for example, before a major transaction), but rush availability and fees are Varies / depends.
Cost commonly changes based on:
- Scope (one-time plan vs. ongoing management)
- Asset complexity (multiple accounts, concentrated stock, business interests)
- Tax complexity (coordination with CPAs, multi-state issues)
- Planning needs (retirement income modeling, insurance analysis, estate coordination)
- Service model (advisor-led vs. hybrid/digital programs)
- Minimums (some programs require asset minimums; not always publicly stated)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does a Financial Advisor cost in Los Angeles?
Most commonly, you’ll see AUM fees around 0.50%–1.50% annually, hourly rates around $150–$400+, or flat-fee plans from $1,000–$7,500+. Your cost depends on complexity and the fee model.
How to choose the best Financial Advisor in Los Angeles?
Start by matching the advisor to your needs: planning-only vs. investment management, tax-aware planning, retirement income, or business-owner planning. Then confirm compensation structure, credentials, and whether you’ll work with the same advisor long-term.
Are licenses required in Los Angeles?
If someone provides investment advice for compensation, they generally must be properly registered (for example, through the SEC or state regulators). Brokerage activity typically involves FINRA registrations. Specific requirements vary by role and services.
What’s the difference between a Financial Advisor and a financial planner?
A financial planner focuses on building a comprehensive plan (cash flow, goals, retirement, insurance, estate coordination). A Financial Advisor may do planning, investment management, or both. Titles can vary, so ask what services are included.
Is a fee-only Financial Advisor better?
Not automatically. Fee-only can reduce certain conflicts because compensation comes from client fees rather than commissions, but the best fit depends on transparency, services, and your needs. Ask for a clear explanation of how they’re paid.
Do Los Angeles advisors help with taxes?
Many advisors provide tax-aware planning and coordinate with your CPA, but most do not prepare taxes unless they are also a licensed tax professional/firm. Ask what’s included and what requires a separate CPA.
Can a Financial Advisor help with buying a home in Los Angeles?
Yes—often through affordability modeling, down payment strategy, cash-flow planning, and evaluating tradeoffs (mortgage size vs. retirement savings). They can also coordinate timing around bonuses or equity compensation.
Who offers 24/7 service in Los Angeles?
24/7 access is Not publicly stated for many advisory firms and often depends on your advisor relationship and service tier. If you need high-touch availability, ask about response times and after-hours policies before signing.
Do I need a minimum amount of money to hire a Financial Advisor?
Not always. Some advisors work hourly or via flat fees with no large minimums, while many wealth-management programs have asset minimums. Minimums are Varies / depends by firm and offering.
What questions should I ask before hiring?
Ask about fee model, what’s included, who manages your account, investment philosophy, how often you’ll meet, and how conflicts are handled. Also ask how they measure progress and what happens if your advisor changes.
Final Recommendation
If you want a recognizable, full-service experience and may benefit from a larger team, Morgan Stanley, Merrill, or UBS can be a strong fit—especially for higher-net-worth households with complex needs.
If you prefer a widely used investing platform with optional advisory services and broad access, Charles Schwab is often a practical choice.
If your main goal is structured planning around retirement and long-term decision-making with a large advisory firm, Edelman Financial Engines is worth comparing.
Because pricing and advisor experience vary by office and team, shortlist two or three options and request a clear breakdown of fees, who you’ll work with, and what’s included before you commit.
Get Your Business Listed
Want your Financial Advisor business details added or updated in this Los Angeles guide? Email contact@professnow.com with your official business information and website. You can also registe & Update yourself at https://professnow.com/