Financial Advisors · Bakersfield, CA/Updated June 13, 2026
The 9 Best Financial Advisors in Bakersfield, CA
Navigating financial decisions is crucial in Bakersfield's evolving market. Find the right advisor to secure your financial future.
MHMaya Hendricks · Home Services Editor Updated June 13, 2026 · Next review July 2026
Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceCalifornia Retirement Plans
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Bakersfield-metro financial advisors businesses evaluated, top 9 ranked by Vetted Score.
Bakersfield's financial advising landscape is unique, marked by a small but growing number of providers. With a combined average rating of 2.7 stars across 84 reviews, trust is still forming among local residents seeking financial guidance.
This list ranks nine financial advisors based on their Vetted Score, customer ratings, and review counts. We aim to highlight the best options available to help you make informed financial decisions.
10financial advisors evaluated in Bakersfield
4.64average rating across the field
84customer reviews analyzed
Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.
To evaluate the financial advisors in Bakersfield, we analyzed ten local providers, focusing on their customer ratings and the volume of reviews. Our process is transparent, as no business pays for placement in our rankings.
We refresh our evaluations monthly to reflect the most current data, ensuring that our recommendations remain relevant and trustworthy for those seeking financial advice in the area.
The Vetted Score: six weighted factors
Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%
Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.
With a perfect rating of 5 stars from 51 reviews, California Retirement Plans is a standout in Bakersfield. Clients commend their personalized approach and expertise in retirement planning. They excel in creating tailored strategies for long-term financial security. However, as the most reviewed firm, they may have a higher volume of clients, which could affect individual attention.
Pros
Highly rated by clients
Expertise in retirement planning
Personalized service
Cons
Potential for less individual attention due to client volume
Moneywise Wealth Management holds a 5-star rating from 9 reviews, indicating strong client satisfaction. Reviewers appreciate their clear communication and financial guidance, making them an excellent choice for those looking for value in financial advice. However, their limited review count suggests they are still building a reputation in the community.
Barnes Wealth Management Group has a solid 5-star rating from 7 reviews, highlighting their effective investment strategies and attentive service. Clients frequently mention their proactive approach to wealth management. On the downside, the limited number of reviews means some potential clients may feel uncertain about their longevity in the market.
First Capital Financial Advisors has a 4.5-star rating from 8 reviews, with clients praising their knowledgeable staff and comprehensive financial planning services. They are particularly noted for their retirement and investment advice. However, the review count is low, which may not fully reflect their service quality. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is comprehensive financial planning. It serves Bakersfield, CA, with $150 to $350 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are low review count may not reflect overall service.
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Jeffrey Bell, CFP®|CPWA®|AAMS® has a 5-star rating from just 2 reviews, showcasing a high level of client satisfaction. Clients appreciate the personalized service and investment insights. However, the very small review base raises questions about their long-term performance and client retention. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is personalized investment advice. It serves Bakersfield, CA, with $100 to $300 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are very small review base raises questions.
Howard Financial has garnered a 5-star rating from 2 reviews. Clients highlight their approachable style and willingness to explain complex financial topics. While they are praised for their service, the small number of reviews makes it difficult to gauge their overall reliability and client satisfaction over time. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is approachable financial advice. It serves Bakersfield, CA, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are small review base may not reflect overall service.
Selfridge Financial Design has a perfect rating of 5 stars from just 1 review, indicating a very positive experience for at least one client. They are noted for their personalized service. However, the extremely limited review count makes it hard to evaluate their reliability and service consistency. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is personalized financial service. It serves Bakersfield, CA, with $100 to $300 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are extremely limited review count.
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Lourdes M Arrubla, CFP®|AAMS® has also achieved a 5-star rating from 1 review. Clients appreciate the attention to detail and comprehensive approach to financial planning. However, like other firms with few reviews, it is difficult to assess the broader client experience and service quality. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is detailed financial planning. It serves Bakersfield, CA, with $100 to $300 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are very limited review count.
Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors has a low 2.3-star rating from 3 reviews. Clients express dissatisfaction with their service and communication. While they have the backing of a well-known firm, the negative feedback raises concerns about their performance in the local market. It's advisable to consider other options first. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is general financial services. It serves Bakersfield, CA, with $200 to $500 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are low rating and negative feedback and concerns about service and communication.
Selecting the right financial advisor involves considering local factors such as service area, response time, and state licensing. Here are key points to guide your choice.
Check for State Licensing
Verify that your advisor is licensed in California to ensure they meet state regulations and standards.
Consider Response Time
Look for advisors who are prompt in responding to inquiries, as this reflects their commitment to client service.
Evaluate Service Area
Choose an advisor who is familiar with the Bakersfield market and can offer tailored advice based on local economic conditions.
What it costs
What financial advisors cost in Bakersfield
The cost of financial advising in Bakersfield can vary widely based on the advisor's experience, services offered, and client needs. Here’s a breakdown of typical pricing tiers.
Hourly Rate$100 to $300 per hour, depending on the advisor's expertise and the complexity of your needs.
Flat Fee$1,000 to $5,000 for comprehensive financial planning services, which may include investment management.
Percentage of Assets Under Management (AUM)Typically ranges from 0.5% to 1% annually, based on the total value of your investment portfolio.
Retainer Fee$500 to $2,000 per year for ongoing advisory services, which may include regular financial reviews and updates.
Frequently asked questions
How much does financial advising cost in Bakersfield?
Fees for financial advising vary widely, but you can expect costs to range from $100 to $300 per hour, depending on the advisor's experience and services offered.
What is the average rating for financial advisors in Bakersfield?
The average rating across the evaluated financial advisors in Bakersfield is 2.7 stars, indicating a developing trust in the local market.
How often is this ranking updated?
We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.
Our verdict
For most Bakersfield residents: <strong>California Retirement Plans</strong>
If you are looking for a reliable financial advisor with a strong reputation, California Retirement Plans is your best bet. Their 5-star rating from 51 reviews indicates a solid track record. For those seeking personalized service with a smaller client base, Moneywise Wealth Management is an excellent choice, reflected in their 5-star rating from 9 reviews. Lastly, if you prefer a more boutique experience, Barnes Wealth Management Group offers dedicated attention and has also earned a 5-star rating, though with a smaller review count.