Financial Advisors · Charleston, SC/Updated June 13, 2026
The 9 Best Financial Advisors in Charleston, SC
Choosing the right financial advisor can mean the difference between financial security and uncertainty. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls in Charleston.
MHMaya Hendricks · Home Services Editor Updated June 13, 2026 · Next review July 2026
Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceCoastal Strategic Capital
95Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Charleston-metro financial advisors businesses evaluated, top 9 ranked by Vetted Score.
In Charleston, selecting a financial advisor is not just a matter of trust; it’s about safeguarding your financial future. With a rapidly evolving economy, a misstep in hiring can lead to poor investment decisions, missed opportunities, and financial stress. The right advisor will guide you through local market nuances, helping you build a solid plan tailored to your needs.
To create this list, we evaluated ten providers in the Charleston metro area, focusing on their ratings, reviews, and overall reputation. We prioritized businesses with solid review counts, as many local firms are still building their presence. This ensures you have access to reliable and experienced advisors.
10financial advisors evaluated in Charleston
4.98average rating across the field
203customer reviews analyzed
Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.
With a perfect 5-star rating from 58 reviews, Coastal Strategic Capital is highly regarded for its personalized financial strategies and attentive client service.
Runey & Associates Wealth Management also holds a 5-star rating from 55 reviews, praised for its comprehensive financial planning and investment strategies.
Our evaluation process involved analyzing the ratings and reviews of each financial advisor in Charleston. We looked at the total number of reviews, focusing on those with a minimum of 15 to ensure a reliable sample size. No business paid for placement, and our rankings are refreshed monthly to reflect the most current data.
This transparency guarantees that you are getting an unbiased view of the best financial advisors in the area. The combined reviews of the top firms show a commitment to quality service, but the thin market means you should act thoughtfully when making a selection.
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 5-star rating from 58 reviews, Coastal Strategic Capital is highly regarded for its personalized financial strategies and attentive client service. Reviewers frequently commend the team's expertise in investment management and retirement planning. However, the firm is still building its reputation in a thin market, which may affect long-term trust.
Runey & Associates Wealth Management also holds a 5-star rating from 55 reviews, praised for its comprehensive financial planning and investment strategies. Clients appreciate the value offered for the cost of services. The firm is newer, and while it shows promise, it lacks the long history some clients may prefer.
Curran Financial Partners has earned a solid 4.8-star rating from 64 reviews, making it one of the most reviewed firms in the area. Clients highlight the firm's attention to detail and proactive approach to wealth management. Despite this, some reviews mention a need for more diverse service offerings, which could limit appeal for certain clients.
Tristate Financial Advisors holds a 5-star rating from 15 reviews. Clients appreciate the firm's personalized approach and dedication to financial education. However, the small review count leaves some uncertainty about its long-term reliability, making it a promising but unproven option for potential clients. 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 education. It serves Charleston, SC, with $100 to $200 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are small review base and limited service history.
FFA Wealth is rated 5 stars based on 3 reviews. Clients appreciate the straightforward communication and clarity in financial strategies. However, with such a small number of reviews, its reputation remains uncertain, making it a riskier choice for those seeking established firms. 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 clear financial communication. It serves Charleston, SC, with $100 to $250 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are very small review base and limited client feedback.
Lighthouse Wealth Advisors has a 5-star rating from 3 reviews. Clients commend the firm for its friendly service and tailored advice. However, the lack of a substantial review base raises questions about its ability to deliver consistently 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 personalized financial advice. It serves Charleston, SC, with $100 to $200 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited feedback and uncertain long-term reliability.
Kaizen Wealth Management holds a 5-star rating from 3 reviews. Clients appreciate the approachable nature of the advisors and their willingness to answer questions. However, the small number of reviews makes it difficult to gauge overall performance and 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 approachable financial guidance. It serves Charleston, SC, with $100 to $200 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are very few reviews and uncertain reputation.
Coastal Financial Planning Group has a 5-star rating from a single review. The feedback highlights a positive experience, but the lack of additional reviews leaves the firm unproven in the eyes of potential clients. 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 single positive experience. It serves Charleston, SC, with $100 to $200 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are single review and no established reputation.
Premier Wealth Partners has a 5-star rating from 1 review. While the review is favorable, the lack of additional feedback means it is hard to assess the firm's reliability 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 initial positive impression. It serves Charleston, SC, with $100 to $200 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are single review and no established track record.
Finding the right financial advisor requires careful consideration. Here are key factors to guide your decision-making process.
Review their experience and specialties
Look for advisors who have experience in areas relevant to your financial goals, such as retirement planning or investment management.
Assess their communication style
Choose an advisor who communicates clearly and is responsive to your questions. This relationship is vital for effective planning.
Check their fees and compensation structure
Understand how your advisor is compensated, whether through fees, commissions, or a combination. This can affect your overall costs.
What it costs
What financial advisors cost in Charleston
The cost of hiring a financial advisor in Charleston can vary widely based on services offered and advisor experience. Here’s what to expect.
Hourly RateExpect to pay between $150 to $400 per hour for consultations, depending on the advisor's experience.
Flat FeesSome advisors charge a flat fee for specific services, typically ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
Percentage of Assets Under Management (AUM)Many advisors charge 1% to 2% of assets managed annually, which can add up over time based on your investment size.
Retainer FeesOngoing support may come with a retainer fee, generally ranging from $500 to $2,000 per month.
Frequently asked questions
How much does financial advising cost in Charleston?
Most financial advisors in Charleston charge fees that range from $100 to $300 per hour, or they may work on a percentage of assets under management, typically between 0.5% and 1.5%.
What should I look for in a financial advisor?
Look for advisors with a strong rating and a solid number of reviews. In Charleston, businesses like Coastal Strategic Capital and Runey & Associates Wealth Management have proven their reliability with high ratings and a decent review count.
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 Charleston residents: <strong>Coastal Strategic Capital</strong>
Call Coastal Strategic Capital first for its proven track record and extensive client feedback. If you prefer a more tailored approach or have unique financial needs, Runey & Associates Wealth Management excels in personalized service. For those with fewer assets seeking advice, Curran Financial Partners offers solid guidance that may suit your budget better.
Cityvetted
