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Local services · Cary, NC/Updated June 13, 2026

The Best Financial Advisors in Cary, NC

Finding the right financial advisor is crucial for securing your financial future. We've ranked the best options in Cary based on real reviews.

Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceCardinal Hill Wealth Management
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Cary-metro financial advisors businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.

In Cary, NC, financial advisors play a vital role in helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals. With a diverse range of services, from investment management to retirement planning, choosing the right advisor can significantly impact your financial health. Whether you're saving for a home, planning for retirement, or managing your investments, a knowledgeable financial advisor can provide personalized guidance.

To create this list, we evaluated ten financial advisory firms in the Cary area based on their Vetted Scores, which are derived from real customer reviews and ratings. Our rankings are updated monthly to ensure accuracy, and we do not accept payment for placement, ensuring a fair assessment of each business.

10providers evaluated in Cary
4.96average rating across the field
190customer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does this service cost in Cary? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
Editor's Choice
96Score

Cardinal Hill Wealth Management

★★★★★5.0(74 reviews)

With a perfect rating of 5 from 74 reviews, Cardinal Hill Wealth Management stands out for its personalized service and comprehensive financial planning.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

Family Legacy Financial Solutions

★★★★★5.0(27 reviews)

Family Legacy Financial Solutions boasts a 5-star rating from 27 reviews, highlighting its commitment to client education and long-term financial planning.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

Hicks & Associates Wealth Management

★★★★★5.0(24 reviews)

With a perfect rating of 5 based on 24 reviews, Hicks & Associates Wealth Management is recognized for its thorough approach to wealth management.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
96Score
5.0★★★★★
74High-net-worth individuals seeking personalized advice
2
95Score
5.0★★★★★
27Families looking for comprehensive financial education
3
94Score
5.0★★★★★
24Clients seeking detailed wealth management
4
92Score
4.9★★★★★
29Individuals planning for retirement
5
90Score
5.0★★★★★
11Individuals focused on estate planning
6
88Score
4.7★★★★★
12Clients looking for reliable investment strategies
7
85Score
5.0★★★★★
5Clients seeking straightforward financial guidance
8
83Score
5.0★★★★★
3Clients looking for personalized attention
9
80Score
5.0★★★★★
3Clients seeking solid investment strategies
10
78Score
5.0★★★★★
2Clients seeking highly personalized service
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 providers.

We assessed each financial advisor on key factors, including customer satisfaction, the number of reviews, and overall ratings. This approach allows us to highlight firms that consistently deliver quality service. We prioritize businesses with substantial review counts to ensure reliability, while also considering newer firms with promising feedback.

Our commitment to transparency means that we refresh this ranking every month, incorporating the latest review data. This ensures that our readers have access to the most current and relevant information when selecting a financial advisor in Cary.

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.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

Cardinal Hill Wealth Management

★★★★★5.0(74 reviews)
96Score

With a perfect rating of 5 from 74 reviews, Cardinal Hill Wealth Management stands out for its personalized service and comprehensive financial planning. Clients appreciate the team's ability to simplify complex financial topics and tailor strategies to individual needs. However, their focus on high-net-worth individuals may not cater to everyone.

Pros

  • Highly rated customer service
  • Tailored financial strategies
  • Strong client relationships

Cons

  • Focus on high-net-worth clients
  • Limited services for lower income brackets
Best forHigh-net-worth individuals seeking personalized advice
Service areaCary, NC
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
2
Best Value

Family Legacy Financial Solutions

★★★★★5.0(27 reviews)
95Score

Family Legacy Financial Solutions boasts a 5-star rating from 27 reviews, highlighting its commitment to client education and long-term financial planning. Reviewers praise the approachable staff and their ability to create customized plans. However, with a smaller review base, their overall reliability remains somewhat unproven. 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 families looking for comprehensive financial education. It serves Cary, NC, with $1,000 to $5,000 for financial plans pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller review base and limited service offerings compared to larger firms.

Pros

  • Client-focused approach
  • Educational resources available
  • Custom financial plans

Cons

  • Smaller review base
  • Limited service offerings compared to larger firms
Best forFamilies looking for comprehensive financial education
Service areaCary, NC
Typical pricing$1,000 to $5,000 for financial plans
3
Most Reviewed

Hicks & Associates Wealth Management

★★★★★5.0(24 reviews)
94Score

With a perfect rating of 5 based on 24 reviews, Hicks & Associates Wealth Management is recognized for its thorough approach to wealth management. Clients commend the firm for its responsiveness and detailed reporting. However, their review count, while commendable, is still lower than some competitors, leaving room for growth.

Pros

  • Thorough wealth management services
  • Responsive to client needs
  • Detailed reporting

Cons

  • Lower review count than top competitors
  • Limited geographic reach
Best forClients seeking detailed wealth management
Service areaCary, NC
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
4

Raleigh Wealth Solutions

★★★★★4.9(29 reviews)
92Score

Raleigh Wealth Solutions holds a strong rating of 4.9 from 29 reviews, with clients praising the firm's strategic investment advice and attentive service. They are well-regarded for their retirement planning expertise. However, some clients noted that availability can be an issue during peak times, which may affect timely communication. 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 individuals planning for retirement. It serves Cary, NC, with $1,000 to $5,000 for financial plans pricing, and the honest trade-offs are availability can be an issue and may lack comprehensive services for complex needs.

Pros

  • Strategic investment advice
  • Attentive client service
  • Expertise in retirement planning

Cons

  • Availability can be an issue
  • May lack comprehensive services for complex needs
Best forIndividuals planning for retirement
Service areaCary, NC
Typical pricing$1,000 to $5,000 for financial plans
5

Testament Wealth Management

★★★★★5.0(11 reviews)
90Score

Testament Wealth Management has a perfect rating of 5 from 11 reviews, emphasizing personalized service and tailored financial strategies. Clients appreciate the firm’s focus on estate planning and wealth preservation. However, their thin review base raises questions about their long-term reliability and experience. 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 individuals focused on estate planning. It serves Cary, NC, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are thin review base and limited visibility in the market.

Pros

  • Personalized service
  • Focus on estate planning
  • Tailored financial strategies

Cons

  • Thin review base
  • Limited visibility in the market
Best forIndividuals focused on estate planning
Service areaCary, NC
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour

Edward Jones - Tyler J Dean has a solid rating of 4.7 from 12 reviews, with clients appreciating the firm’s accessibility and personalized approach to financial advising. They are particularly noted for their investment strategies. However, some clients mention that service can feel impersonal at times due to the firm's larger corporate structure.

Pros

  • Accessible financial advising
  • Personalized investment strategies
  • Strong corporate backing

Cons

  • Impersonal service at times
  • Limited custom offerings compared to boutique firms
Best forClients looking for reliable investment strategies
Service areaCary, NC
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
7

J Bradin Financial

★★★★★5.0(5 reviews)
85Score

J Bradin Financial holds a perfect rating of 5 from 5 reviews, praised for its straightforward approach and commitment to client needs. Clients appreciate the firm's dedication to financial literacy. However, the very limited review count may not provide a full picture of their service reliability. 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 clients seeking straightforward financial guidance. It serves Cary, NC, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are very limited review count and potential lack of experience.

Pros

  • Straightforward financial advice
  • Commitment to client education
  • Personalized attention

Cons

  • Very limited review count
  • Potential lack of experience
Best forClients seeking straightforward financial guidance
Service areaCary, NC
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
8

Stonegate Financial

★★★★★5.0(3 reviews)
83Score

Stonegate Financial has a perfect rating of 5 from just 3 reviews, highlighting its personalized service and attentiveness to client needs. Reviewers note the firm's approachability and readiness to answer questions. However, with such a thin review base, their reliability and service consistency remains untested. 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 clients looking for personalized attention. It serves Cary, NC, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are thin review base and lack of comprehensive service offerings.

Pros

  • Personalized service
  • Approachable staff
  • Willingness to answer questions

Cons

  • Thin review base
  • Lack of comprehensive service offerings
Best forClients looking for personalized attention
Service areaCary, NC
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour

Edward Jones - Rob Larson has a perfect rating of 5 from 3 reviews, with clients appreciating the firm’s investment strategies and customer service. However, the limited number of reviews raises concerns about the overall reliability and breadth of their service. 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 clients seeking solid investment strategies. It serves Cary, NC, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are very limited review base and potentially impersonal due to corporate structure.

Pros

  • Strong investment strategies
  • Good customer service
  • Corporate support

Cons

  • Very limited review base
  • Potentially impersonal due to corporate structure
Best forClients seeking solid investment strategies
Service areaCary, NC
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
10

Triangle Advisors Group

★★★★★5.0(2 reviews)
78Score

Triangle Advisors Group holds a perfect rating of 5 from just 2 reviews, with clients noting the firm's personalized service. However, the extremely low review count casts doubt on their experience and reliability in the market. 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 clients seeking highly personalized service. It serves Cary, NC, with $150 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are extremely limited review base and unproven track record.

Pros

  • Personalized service
  • Responsive to client inquiries

Cons

  • Extremely limited review base
  • Unproven track record
Best forClients seeking highly personalized service
Service areaCary, NC
Typical pricing$150 to $400 per hour
Before you book

How to choose a financial advisor in Cary

Selecting a financial advisor requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure you find the right fit for your needs.

Assess Credentials

Check for relevant certifications like CFP®, CFA, or CPA to ensure the advisor has the required expertise.

Review Client Feedback

Look at online reviews and ratings to gauge the advisor's reputation and client satisfaction.

Understand Fee Structure

Inquire about the advisor's fees, whether they charge a flat fee, hourly rate, or commission, to find a pricing model that suits your budget.

Consider Specializations

Different advisors have different specialties, such as retirement planning or investment management. Choose one that aligns with your financial goals.

What it costs

What financial advisors cost in Cary

The cost of hiring a financial advisor in Cary can vary widely based on services offered and the advisor's experience. Here's a general breakdown of what to expect.

Hourly RateTypically ranges from $150 to $400 per hour, depending on the advisor's expertise and the complexity of your needs.
Flat FeesSome advisors charge a flat fee for specific services, which can range from $1,000 to $5,000 based on the service complexity.
Percentage of Assets Under ManagementMany advisors charge a fee based on a percentage of assets managed, usually around 1% annually.
Retainer FeesSome firms offer retainer models, which can range from $2,000 to $10,000 per year, providing ongoing advice and support.

Frequently asked questions

How much does financial advising cost in Cary?

Financial advising costs typically range from $150 to $400 per hour, with additional fee structures based on services provided.

What should I look for in a financial advisor?

Look for credentials, client feedback, fee structures, and specializations that align with your financial goals.

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 Cary residents: Editor's Choice Cardinal Hill Wealth Management

For those seeking reliable financial advice in Cary, Cardinal Hill Wealth Management is our top pick for its personalized services and high ratings. Family Legacy Financial Solutions offers great value while focusing on client education. Lastly, Hicks & Associates Wealth Management excels in wealth management with detailed reporting and strong client relationships.