Best Financial Advisors in Cary, North Carolina

    Areas served: Cary, NC and surrounding Wake County

    27 local businessesRanked by Lantern Score — a measure of reputation and business quality. We don't accept payment for placement.
    Updated April 16, 2026

    Cary's financial advisory landscape reflects the town's affluent demographics and concentration of technology professionals and corporate executives from the Research Triangle Park area. The local market includes both independent Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) operating under fiduciary standards and broker-dealer representatives, with many advisors specializing in equity compensation planning for employees of SAS Institute, Fidelity Investments, and other major regional employers. This directory provides verified information on credentials, fee structures, minimum asset requirements, and areas of specialization to help residents compare advisory options.

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    83
    Lantern
    Score
    Raleigh, NC · 7 mi from Cary
    Serves Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding areas in central North Carolina
    ★★★★★5.0(39 Google reviews)

    Peace of Mind Wealth Management is a fee-only financial advisory firm in Raleigh serving pre-retirees and retirees throughout the Raleigh and Durham/Chapel Hill areas. Led by advisors Radon Stancil and Murs Tariq, the firm takes a comprehensive approach to retirement planning that goes beyond investments to address taxes, estate planning, healthcare, and income strategy through their trademarked Peace of Mind Pathway™. Their integrated, transparent fee structure eliminates the need for multiple financial professionals and is designed specifically for clients seeking clarity and confidence in retirement.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningUnbiased AdviceWealth Management
    Ideal clients: Pre-retirees and retirees seeking comprehensive retirement planning, professionals approaching retirement with complex financial situations, couples wanting coordinated financial strategy, individuals concerned about taxes and estate planning
    What sets them apart
    • Unlike traditional investment-only advisors, Peace of Mind integrates investments, taxes, estate planning, healthcare, and income strategy into a single cohesive strategy, eliminating the need for multiple financial professionals.
    • Their proprietary three-phase process (Roadmap, Implementation, Nurture) transforms scattered financial pieces into a step-by-step retirement plan tailored to each client's vision.
    • Operating on a fee-only basis with no commissions, the firm aligns its interests directly with client outcomes rather than product sales.
    Retirement PlanningFee-Only AdvisorComprehensive PlanningInvestment ManagementRaleigh
    Phone(919) 787-8866
    Peace Of Mind Wealth Management
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    83
    Lantern
    Score
    Raleigh, NC · 11 mi from Cary
    Serves Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding Triangle area
    ★★★★★4.9(78 Google reviews)

    Steward Wealth Strategies is an independent financial advisory firm serving Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle area. They provide comprehensive wealth management, retirement planning, investment management, and financial planning services tailored to individuals and families. The firm is committed to fiduciary standards, putting client interests first in all recommendations.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningWealth Management
    Ideal clients: High-net-worth individuals, families planning for retirement, business owners seeking comprehensive wealth management, professionals transitioning careers
    What sets them apart
    • Operating as an independent firm committed to fiduciary standards, meaning they are legally obligated to act in clients' best interests rather than recommending products that generate higher commissions.
    • Offers integrated services including retirement planning, investment management, and financial planning, providing a holistic approach to wealth management.
    • Established office in Raleigh with deep knowledge of the local market and Triangle area, allowing for personalized service to regional clients.
    Wealth ManagementRetirement PlanningInvestment AdvisoryFinancial PlanningIndependent Advisor
    Phone(919) 803-0035
    Steward Wealth Strategies - Raleigh Office
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    83
    Lantern
    Score
    Raleigh, NC · 5 mi from Cary
    Serves Raleigh, NC and surrounding areas
    ★★★★★4.9(72 Google reviews)

    Left Tackle Advisors is a financial advisory firm based in Raleigh that provides comprehensive wealth management and financial planning services. They work with individuals and families to develop personalized strategies for retirement, investments, and overall financial goals. Their team of experienced advisors takes a consultative approach to help clients navigate complex financial decisions and build long-term wealth.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningWealth Management
    Ideal clients: Families seeking comprehensive wealth management, Pre-retirees and retirees planning income strategies, Individuals looking for personalized investment advice
    What sets them apart
    • Left Tackle Advisors develops customized financial plans tailored to each client's unique goals, timeline, and risk tolerance rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
    • The firm offers integrated guidance across retirement planning, investment management, and broader financial planning to address clients' complete financial picture.
    Financial PlanningWealth ManagementInvestment AdvisoryRetirement PlanningFee-Based
    Phone(919) 900-8032
    Left Tackle Advisors
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    82
    Lantern
    Score
    Apex, NC · 3 mi from Cary
    Serves Cary, Apex, and surrounding areas in Wake County, NC
    ★★★★★5.0(33 Google reviews)

    BSG Advisers is a fiduciary-based financial advisory firm serving working professionals, business owners, and retirees in the Cary and Apex area. Founded on the principle of speaking 'human' without jargon, they offer comprehensive financial planning, investment management, retirement planning, tax strategies, and business financial guidance. With over 30 years of combined experience and a fee-only model that eliminates conflicts of interest, BSG Advisers builds long-term client relationships through transparent, relationship-driven advice tailored to each person's unique goals.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningUnbiased AdviceBusiness OwnersWealth Management
    Ideal clients: Working professionals seeking clear financial guidance, business owners needing tailored tax and wealth strategies, those approaching or already in retirement, high-net-worth individuals wanting conflict-free advice
    What sets them apart
    • Operates on a fee-only basis with no commissions, eliminating conflicts of interest and ensuring every recommendation prioritizes your interests over the firm's revenue.
    • Specializes in translating complex financial concepts into clear, understandable language so clients can confidently understand and participate in their own financial decisions.
    • Conducts quarterly reviews (February, August, and November) to ensure plans evolve with life changes and market conditions, rather than waiting for annual or ad-hoc check-ins.
    Fee-Only AdvisorsRetirement PlanningInvestment ManagementBusiness FinancesFiduciary Approach
    Phone(919) 267-4753
    BSG Advisers
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    82
    Lantern
    Score
    Cary, NC
    Serves Cary, Raleigh, and the Research Triangle
    ★★★★★5.0(27 Google reviews)

    Family Legacy Financial Solutions is a Cary-based financial advisory firm founded by uncle-nephew duo Todd Iglehart and Josh Stubbolo, specializing in personalized, family-centered financial planning. They offer comprehensive services including investment management, retirement planning, tax strategies, estate planning, budgeting, and risk management—all tailored to each family's unique goals rather than one-size-fits-all approaches. The firm has helped hundreds of Triangle professionals and families build investment plans, make confident spending decisions, and create lasting wealth for future generations.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningBusiness OwnersWealth Management
    Ideal clients: Professionals and families planning for retirement, high-net-worth individuals seeking estate planning, families balancing current lifestyle with future goals
    What sets them apart
    • Family Legacy Financial Solutions is registered with the SEC, providing regulated, professional investment advisory services and transparency through their Form CRS.
    • Founded on the principle that every family's finances are unique, they reject cookie-cutter formulas and build comprehensive plans around each client's specific dreams, lifestyle, and legacy goals.
    • Built by advisors who previously worked at major national firms, the Cary-based team brings deep expertise and a mission-driven commitment to serving Triangle families as trusted financial partners.
    Financial PlanningRetirement PlanningInvestment ManagementEstate PlanningFamily Wealth
    Phone(919) 379-9000
    Family Legacy Financial Solutions
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    82
    Lantern
    Score
    Chapel Hill, NC · 12 mi from Cary
    Serves Chapel Hill, NC and surrounding areas
    ★★★★★5.0(27 Google reviews)

    Hilltop Wealth Advisors is a fee-only fiduciary financial planning and investment management firm serving high-net-worth individuals and families in Chapel Hill. They provide integrated wealth management, comprehensive financial planning, investment management, and specialized services for executives including equity compensation analysis and 401(k) strategies. Their approach emphasizes personal relationships, alignment with client values, and coordination with other professionals like accountants and estate attorneys.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningUnbiased AdviceWealth Management
    Ideal clients: High-net-worth individuals and families ($1M+ in investable assets), Corporate executives with equity compensation, Business owners planning succession
    What sets them apart
    • Required to place client interests above their own with no commission-based incentives, ensuring unbiased financial advice.
    • Specialized services for executives at major employers like Duke, Google, IBM, and SAS, including equity compensation analysis and stock strategy optimization.
    • Works directly with accountants and estate attorneys to coordinate comprehensive financial planning across all areas of wealth management.
    Fee-Only FiduciaryWealth ManagementFinancial PlanningInvestment ManagementExecutive Services
    Phone(919) 401-1500
    Hilltop Wealth Advisors
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    81
    Lantern
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    Cary, NC
    Serves Cary and surrounding Triangle area, North Carolina
    ★★★★★5.0(24 Google reviews)

    Hicks & Associates Wealth Management is an independent financial advisory firm based in Cary, NC, specializing in comprehensive wealth management and financial planning for individuals and families. The firm provides personalized investment management, retirement planning, and strategic financial guidance tailored to each client's goals and circumstances. With a focus on building long-term client relationships, they combine professional expertise with a consultative approach to help clients navigate complex financial decisions.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningWealth Management
    Ideal clients: Individuals and families seeking comprehensive wealth management, Pre-retirees and retirees planning income strategies, Business owners managing investments
    What sets them apart
    • Operates independently without parent company constraints, allowing for unbiased financial advice and strategies customized to individual client needs.
    • Provides comprehensive wealth management and financial planning services designed specifically for each client's unique financial situation and goals.
    • Based in Cary with a track record of serving individuals and families in the Triangle region seeking professional investment guidance.
    Wealth ManagementFinancial PlanningInvestment ManagementRetirement PlanningIndependent Advisor
    Phone(919) 851-5512
    Hicks & Associates Wealth Management
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    81
    Lantern
    Score
    Cary, NC
    Serves Cary, NC and surrounding areas
    ★★★★★5.0(74 Google reviews)

    Cardinal Hill Wealth Management is an independent financial advisory firm in Cary specializing in comprehensive wealth planning, investment management, and retirement strategy for individuals and families. Led by experienced advisors, they provide personalized financial guidance designed to help clients build and protect their wealth through customized investment portfolios and long-term planning strategies.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningWealth Management
    Ideal clients: High-net-worth individuals, families seeking retirement planning, business owners, clients wanting independent investment advice
    What sets them apart
    • As an independent advisory firm, Cardinal Hill has no conflicts of interest from proprietary products, allowing them to provide objective advice tailored to each client's unique goals.
    • They offer integrated wealth planning that covers investment management, retirement strategy, and financial goal setting to address the full picture of a client's financial life.
    Wealth ManagementFinancial PlanningInvestment ManagementRetirement PlanningIndependent Advisor
    Phone(919) 297-2712
    Cardinal Hill Wealth Management
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    80
    Lantern
    Score
    Raleigh, NC · 7 mi from Cary
    Serves Raleigh, NC and surrounding regions
    ★★★★★5.0(18 Google reviews)

    Cerity Partners is a comprehensive wealth management firm serving high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners, and institutions from their Raleigh headquarters. They offer integrated financial planning, investment management, tax planning and preparation, estate and gift planning, insurance planning, and specialized services like business owner advisory, family office management, and cross-border financial planning. Their team of planning, tax, investment, and retirement plan specialists provides objective, goal-driven advice tailored to complex financial situations.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningWealth Management
    Ideal clients: High-net-worth individuals and families, business owners planning transitions, executives with complex compensation packages, practice owners, international wealth holders, families seeking legacy preservation
    What sets them apart
    • Offers planning, tax, investment, and retirement plan specialists under one roof, eliminating the need for multiple advisors and ensuring coordinated strategies across all aspects of wealth management.
    • Dedicated services for business owners, practice owners (medical, dental, legal), executives, high-net-worth families, and international clients, with deep knowledge of estate, trust, gift, and cross-border tax regulations.
    • Team members maintain a fiduciary duty of care and loyalty to clients, ensuring objective advice aligned with client interests rather than product sales.
    Wealth ManagementFinancial PlanningTax PlanningInvestment ManagementEstate Planning
    Phone(919) 784-9100
    Cerity Partners
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    80
    Lantern
    Score
    Raleigh, NC · 8 mi from Cary
    Serves Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina
    ★★★★★5.0(17 Google reviews)

    Ark Royal Wealth Management is a fee-only financial advisory firm founded by Mike Palmer, serving clients in Raleigh and Charlotte with comprehensive wealth management, investment management, retirement planning, and employee benefit analysis. As fiduciaries, they prioritize clients' interests first and take a holistic approach to financial planning—helping clients align their assets with their life goals, not just portfolio performance. They specialize in complex financial matters and are known for their personalized, detailed guidance and long-term client relationships.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningUnbiased AdviceWealth Management
    Ideal clients: Affluent families seeking comprehensive wealth management, business owners managing complex finances, retirees and pre-retirees planning income strategies, individuals managing significant employee benefits
    What sets them apart
    • Operates on a fee-only model with no commissions, ensuring transparent alignment of advisor and client interests.
    • Maintains unwavering commitment to fiduciary duty, legally obligated to always put client interests first.
    • Deep knowledge of employee benefit plans, complex financial matters, and holistic life planning beyond portfolio management.
    Fee-Only AdvisorsFiduciaryWealth ManagementRetirement PlanningInvestment Management
    Phone(919) 710-8665
    Ark Royal Wealth Management
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    80
    Lantern
    Score
    Cary, NC
    Serves Raleigh, Cary, and surrounding Wake County area
    ★★★★★4.9(23 Google reviews)

    Raleigh Wealth Solutions is a financial planning firm based in Cary, NC, specializing in retirement planning and comprehensive financial strategy for individuals and families. Led by Brian Raleigh, the firm offers complimentary second opinion services to evaluate your current financial situation and create custom strategies aligned with your retirement goals. They focus on tax-efficient planning, investment management, and community involvement.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningWealth Management
    Ideal clients: Individuals nearing or in retirement, high-income earners seeking tax strategies, families wanting comprehensive financial planning
    What sets them apart
    • Offers free financial reviews to evaluate your current situation and retirement needs without obligation.
    • Emphasizes tax-efficient strategies, claiming potential savings of $200k in taxes for every $1M earned.
    • Actively supports local Raleigh-area charities and provides financial education through local radio and TV appearances.
    Retirement PlanningFinancial StrategyTax PlanningInvestment ManagementCommunity Focused
    Phone(919) 852-1215
    Raleigh Wealth Solutions
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    79
    Lantern
    Score
    Raleigh, NC · 7 mi from Cary
    Serves Raleigh, NC and surrounding areas
    ★★★★★5.0(15 Google reviews)

    Vesta Wealth Advisors is a Raleigh-based financial planning and advisory firm led by women advisors Kate Anders, Elaine Jolley, and Mary Norton. They provide comprehensive financial planning, investment management, insurance products (life insurance and annuities), and ongoing advisory services with a focus on inclusivity and personalized guidance. The firm is committed to serving all clients with integrity and transparency, particularly those historically underserved by the financial services industry.

    Ideal clients: Individuals seeking personalized financial planning, clients valuing inclusive and respectful advisory relationships, women and underserved populations in wealth management, families planning for retirement and financial security
    What sets them apart
    • Vesta is founded and operated by a team of women financial advisors with a shared passion for financial empowerment and inclusivity in wealth management.
    • Advisors are registered to offer securities and investment services across multiple states (CA, FL, MA, NC, TX and others), providing flexibility for clients who have moved or have out-of-state assets.
    • Offers integrated financial planning, investment management, life insurance, annuities, and ongoing advisory relationships rather than just transactional services.
    Financial PlanningInvestment AdviceWealth ManagementInsurance ProductsFee-Based Advisory
    Phone(919) 205-8473
    Vesta Wealth Advisors
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    78
    Lantern
    Score
    Raleigh, NC · 7 mi from Cary
    Serves Raleigh, NC and surrounding Wake County area
    ★★★★★5.0(12 Google reviews)

    Olde Raleigh Financial Group is an employee-owned, fee-based financial advisory firm in Raleigh specializing in comprehensive wealth management for individuals and small business owners. They offer retirement planning, investment management, tax planning, 401(k) allocation, Social Security analysis, estate planning, insurance planning, and college funding strategies. Their independent, client-focused approach prioritizes your best interests without conflicts of interest, backed by an experienced team using technology-driven tools for clear communication and efficient plan management.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningUnbiased AdviceBusiness OwnersWealth Management
    Ideal clients: Pre-retirees and retirees, small business owners, high-net-worth individuals, families prioritizing comprehensive planning
    What sets them apart
    • As an independent, employee-owned firm, Olde Raleigh Financial Group prioritizes client interests without commission-driven conflicts of interest, ensuring advice aligned with your financial goals.
    • Beyond investments, they provide integrated planning including tax optimization, Social Security strategy, estate planning, insurance analysis, and long-term care planning for a complete financial picture.
    • Their fee-based structure means you pay only for services received, with full transparency and alignment between advisor and client success.
    Fee-Based AdvisorWealth ManagementRetirement PlanningIndependent AdvisorTax Planning
    Phone(919) 861-8212
    Olde Raleigh Financial Group
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    78
    Lantern
    Score
    Apex, NC · 5 mi from Cary
    Serves Apex, Raleigh, and surrounding North Carolina areas, with additional offices in Scottsdale, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, and Wilmington
    ★★★★★4.6(82 Google reviews)

    Capital Financial Advisory Group, founded by Pete D'Arruda (MRFC, RICP), is an independent fiduciary financial advisory firm specializing in comprehensive retirement planning, investment management, and wealth strategies for affluent clients. With over three decades of experience, they serve pre-retirees and retirees with $100,000+ in savings through personalized financial planning that addresses retirement income, tax optimization, estate planning, and risk management. Known for their transparent, client-focused approach and educational content, they operate multiple offices across the Southeast and are recognized for their commitment to clear communication and fiduciary standards.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningWealth Management
    Ideal clients: Affluent pre-retirees and retirees with $100,000+ in savings, high-net-worth individuals seeking tax optimization, families wanting fiduciary-based advice, business owners planning succession and legacy strategies
    What sets them apart
    • As an independent firm operating under fiduciary standards, Capital Financial prioritizes client interests over commissions and provides transparent, personalized advice without conflicts of interest.
    • Founded by Pete D'Arruda, a best-selling author and former 2-time President of the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants, the firm offers evidence-based strategies taught through radio shows, podcasts, and educational content.
    • They specialize in helping clients generate adequate lifetime retirement income through integrated strategies covering investments, taxes, estate planning, and risk management tailored to individual goals.
    Retirement PlanningFiduciary AdvisorWealth ManagementTax PlanningInvestment Services
    Phone(919) 657-4201
    Capital Financial Advisory Group
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    76
    Lantern
    Score
    Raleigh, NC · 6 mi from Cary
    Serves Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding Triangle area
    ★★★★★4.8(14 Google reviews)

    Financial Symmetry is an independent, employee-owned financial advisory firm in the Triangle area serving clients since 2001. They provide comprehensive fee-only, fiduciary financial planning and investment management, including retirement planning, tax planning, social security analysis, college planning, 401(k) allocation, and estate planning. With 13 CFP® professionals managing $1.2B in assets, they focus on helping busy professionals, those planning retirement, and clients experiencing major life changes reach their financial goals.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningUnbiased AdviceBusiness OwnersFirst-Time InvestorsWealth Management
    Ideal clients: Busy professionals, pre-retirees and retirees, high-net-worth families, business owners seeking comprehensive financial planning
    What sets them apart
    • As an independent, employee-owned firm with fee-only fiduciary compensation, Financial Symmetry aligns incentives directly with client success rather than commission-based products.
    • The firm maintains a team of 13 CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals who provide comprehensive planning across retirement, taxes, college funding, and estate strategies.
    • Operating since 2001 with 98.5% client retention, Financial Symmetry demonstrates deep expertise in guiding clients through all life phases and market cycles.
    Fee-Only AdvisorFiduciaryCFP CertifiedRetirement PlanningInvestment Management
    Financial Symmetry
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    75
    Lantern
    Score
    Cary, NC
    Serves Cary, Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Apex, and the greater Research Triangle
    ★★★★★5.0(7 Google reviews)

    Testament Wealth Management is a locally-owned, fee-only financial advisory firm in Cary serving the Research Triangle region. They provide comprehensive financial planning including retirement planning, tax optimization, investment management, estate planning, employee stock options analysis, and insurance guidance—all built around personalized goals for business owners, high-earning professionals, and pre-retirees/retirees. As fiduciaries operating on a transparent fee-only model with no commissions, they emphasize tax-efficient strategies, collaborative relationships with CPAs and estate attorneys, and ongoing behavioral coaching.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningUnbiased AdviceBusiness OwnersWealth Management
    Ideal clients: Business owners, high-earning professionals, pre-retirees and retirees, individuals with employee stock options
    What sets them apart
    • Testament operates as a fee-only advisor with no commissions or hidden fees, bound by fiduciary duty to act in clients' best interests. This structure eliminates conflicts of interest common in traditional advisor relationships.
    • They integrate tax planning into every financial decision throughout the year rather than treating it as an April task, including specialized guidance on employee stock options and tax-efficient investment management.
    • Testament works alongside clients' CPAs and estate attorneys to deliver coordinated planning across retirement, investments, estate, and insurance—with ongoing behavioral coaching to support sound decision-making.
    Fee-Only AdvisorFiduciaryComprehensive PlanningTax PlanningResearch Triangle
    Phone(919) 342-8553
    Testament Wealth Management
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    74
    Lantern
    Score
    Apex, NC · 3 mi from Cary
    Serves Apex, NC and surrounding Triangle area
    ★★★★★4.9(15 Google reviews)

    Hunter Street Investment Advisors is an independent financial advisory firm serving the Apex and Triangle area with personalized investment management and financial planning services. The firm works with individuals and families to develop comprehensive strategies aligned with their long-term goals, offering a consultative approach to wealth management and retirement planning.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningWealth Management
    Ideal clients: Individuals and families seeking independent investment advice, retirement planning clients, high-net-worth individuals in the Triangle area
    What sets them apart
    • Operates as an independent advisor, allowing personalized recommendations without conflicts of interest from larger institutional pressures.
    • Provides both investment management and financial planning services to help clients build integrated wealth strategies.
    Investment ManagementFinancial PlanningWealth ManagementIndependent Advisor
    Phone(919) 589-4040
    Hunter Street Investment Advisors
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    72
    Lantern
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    Apex, NC · 4 mi from Cary
    Serves Apex, NC and surrounding Triangle region
    ★★★★★4.6(10 Google reviews)

    Blue Water Capital Management, LLC is a fee-only, independent financial advisory firm in Apex specializing in wealth management, retirement planning, and investment management. Founded on fiduciary principles, their team of CFP® professionals (with over 25 years of combined experience) serves clients in technology, legal, medical, and business ownership sectors. They charge no commissions, only transparent fees, and provide comprehensive financial planning including retirement funding, tax strategies, estate planning, and portfolio management through dedicated client portals.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningUnbiased AdviceFirst-Time InvestorsWealth Management
    Ideal clients: High-net-worth professionals (tech, legal, medical), business owners, retirees, individuals seeking comprehensive retirement and investment planning
    What sets them apart
    • Blue Water charges only transparent advisory fees with no commissions or sales incentives, ensuring advisors are focused solely on client interests rather than product sales.
    • All advisors are Certified Financial Planner Professionals bound by fiduciary duty, with over 25 years of combined experience in comprehensive wealth management.
    • As an established boutique firm, Blue Water prioritizes depth of client relationships over growth, offering personalized financial planning and proactive wealth reviews.
    Fee-Only AdvisorFiduciary CFPWealth ManagementRetirement PlanningIndependent
    Phone(919) 589-2528
    Blue Water Capital Management, LLC
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    71
    Lantern
    Score
    Chapel Hill, NC · 15 mi from Cary
    Serves Chapel Hill and surrounding area, North Carolina
    ★★★★★5.0(4 Google reviews)

    Woodward Financial Advisors is a fiduciary wealth management firm in Chapel Hill that provides ongoing financial planning and investment management services. Founded on the principle of building relationships with clients rather than just managing their assets, they help individuals achieve their personal definition of financial success through comprehensive advisory services. The firm specializes in guiding clients through life's most important financial decisions with a focus on long-term security and confidence.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningWealth Management
    Ideal clients: Individuals seeking comprehensive wealth management, clients wanting fiduciary representation, families planning for long-term financial security
    What sets them apart
    • Operates as a fiduciary firm, meaning they are legally required to act in clients' best interests rather than recommending products that benefit the firm.
    • Prioritizes building genuine relationships with clients to understand their unique financial goals rather than focusing solely on asset management.
    • Provides continuous financial planning and investment management, not project-based or hourly engagements, ensuring sustained guidance.
    Wealth ManagementFinancial PlanningInvestment ManagementFiduciary AdvisorChapel Hill
    Phone(919) 929-2495
    Woodward Financial Advisors
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    71
    Lantern
    Score
    Cary, NC
    Serves Cary, NC and surrounding Triangle area
    ★★★★★4.7(12 Google reviews)

    Tyler J Dean is a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones in Cary, NC, specializing in wealth strategies, retirement income planning, and business financial services for entrepreneurs and business owners. With credentials as a Certified Exit Planning Advisor® (CEPA®) and Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist™ (CRPS™), Tyler provides comprehensive financial guidance including business retirement plans, employee stock options, intergenerational planning, and wealth management strategies tailored to clients' specific financial goals.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningWealth Management
    Ideal clients: Entrepreneurs and business owners, Pre-retirement and retirement-focused individuals, High-net-worth clients seeking comprehensive wealth strategies, Families planning intergenerational wealth transfer
    What sets them apart
    • CEPA® certification provides expertise in exit planning strategies for business owners, a specialized service not all financial advisors offer.
    • CRPS™ credential demonstrates advanced expertise in retirement plan design and management for individuals and businesses.
    • Serves entrepreneurs with integrated planning covering wealth strategies, business retirement plans, employee stock options, and intergenerational wealth transfer.
    Financial AdvisorRetirement PlanningWealth ManagementBusiness PlanningEdward Jones
    Phone(919) 377-8420
    Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Tyler J Dean, CEPA®|CRPS™
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    69
    Lantern
    Score
    Cary, NC
    Serves Cary, NC and surrounding Research Triangle area
    ★★★★★5.0(3 Google reviews)

    Stonegate Financial is an independent financial advisory firm located in Cary, NC, serving clients throughout the Research Triangle and beyond. They provide comprehensive financial planning and investment management services tailored to help clients build and preserve wealth. With a focus on personalized service and long-term financial strategy, Stonegate Financial works with individuals and families to achieve their financial goals.

    Ideal clients: Individuals and families seeking comprehensive financial planning, Mid to high-net-worth investors, Those wanting independent, unbiased financial advice
    What sets them apart
    • Stonegate Financial operates as an independent firm, allowing them to provide unbiased advice and select investment solutions based on client needs rather than internal product lines.
    • They offer comprehensive financial planning services designed specifically for each client's unique circumstances and long-term goals.
    Financial PlanningInvestment ManagementWealth ManagementFinancial Advisor
    Phone(919) 460-4688
    Websitesgfnc.com
    Stonegate Financial
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    69
    Lantern
    Score
    Cary, NC
    Serves Cary, NC and surrounding areas
    ★★★★★5.0(3 Google reviews)

    David Hellinger is an LPL Financial advisor in Cary specializing in comprehensive, goals-based financial planning rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. With over two decades of experience, he provides full-scale financial planning, asset management across multiple account types, and retirement and tax strategy services. He upholds the fiduciary standard, meaning he prioritizes clients' interests above his own, and is committed to explaining complex financial concepts in plain language to help clients understand their options.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningWealth Management
    Ideal clients: Pre-retirees and retirees, individuals navigating major life changes (marriage, divorce, family growth), business owners seeking tax planning, families focused on college savings
    What sets them apart
    • David Hellinger adheres to the fiduciary standard, legally obligating him to put clients' interests above his own at all times.
    • With over two decades in the financial services industry, he brings deep expertise in retirement planning, tax strategies, and life-transition planning.
    • He emphasizes personalized, goals-based financial planning tailored to each client's unique circumstances rather than generic templates.
    Financial PlanningRetirement PlanningTax StrategiesAsset ManagementFiduciary Advisor
    Phone(919) 459-7184
    Hellinger Financial (David Hellinger, LPL Financial)
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    66
    Lantern
    Score
    Raleigh, NC · 11 mi from Cary
    Serves Raleigh, North Carolina and surrounding areas
    ★★★★☆4.2(5 Google reviews)

    Captrust is a financial advisory firm serving Raleigh and the surrounding region with comprehensive wealth management, investment management, retirement planning, and personalized financial strategy services. The firm works with individuals and businesses to build customized financial plans aligned with their long-term goals. With a focus on fiduciary principles and client-centered advisory, Captrust helps clients navigate complex financial decisions and grow their wealth.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningWealth Management
    Ideal clients: Individuals seeking comprehensive wealth management, business owners planning for retirement, families developing long-term financial strategies
    What sets them apart
    • Captrust operates under a fiduciary standard, meaning advisors are legally obligated to act in clients' best interests rather than recommending products that benefit the firm.
    • The firm provides integrated financial planning that addresses investments, retirement, tax strategy, and estate considerations as part of a coordinated approach.
    Wealth ManagementFinancial PlanningInvestment AdvisoryRetirement PlanningFiduciary
    Phone(919) 870-6822
    Captrust
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    60
    Lantern
    Score
    Cary, NC
    Serves Cary, NC and surrounding areas
    ★★★★★5.0(1 Google reviews)

    Edward Jones financial advisor Darrin F Guay, CFP®, provides comprehensive financial planning and investment management services to individuals and families in the Cary area. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Darrin specializes in helping clients build and protect wealth through personalized financial strategies tailored to their goals and circumstances.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningWealth Management
    Ideal clients: Individuals and families seeking comprehensive financial planning, retirement planning, and personalized investment strategies
    What sets them apart
    • Darrin F Guay holds the CFP® certification, demonstrating advanced training and adherence to fiduciary standards in financial planning.
    • Offers comprehensive financial strategies designed specifically for each client's unique goals, risk tolerance, and life circumstances.
    • Backed by Edward Jones's institutional resources and research, providing clients access to a wide range of investment and planning tools.
    Financial AdvisorInvestment ManagementRetirement PlanningCFP CertifiedWealth Management
    Phone(984) 464-4786
    Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Darrin F Guay, CFP®
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    60
    Lantern
    Score
    Cary, NC
    Serves Cary, NC and surrounding areas
    ★★★★★5.0(1 Google reviews)

    Tackett Wealth Management is an independent financial advisory firm based in Cary, NC, serving clients throughout the region with comprehensive wealth management, investment management, and financial planning services. The firm specializes in helping individuals and families build and preserve wealth through personalized strategies tailored to their unique financial goals and life circumstances.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningWealth Management
    Ideal clients: High-net-worth individuals, families planning for retirement, business owners seeking wealth preservation strategies
    What sets them apart
    • Operates as an independent firm, allowing for unbiased investment recommendations without conflicts of interest tied to specific product manufacturers.
    • Develops customized financial strategies based on individual client circumstances rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
    Wealth ManagementFinancial PlanningInvestment ManagementRetirement Planning
    Phone(919) 650-6393
    Tackett Wealth Management
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    60
    Lantern
    Score
    Raleigh, NC · 9 mi from Cary
    Serves Raleigh, NC and surrounding areas
    ★★★★★5.0(1 Google reviews)

    Miner Wealth Management is an independent financial advisory firm based in Raleigh specializing in comprehensive wealth management and financial planning. The team works with individuals and families to develop personalized investment strategies, retirement planning, and wealth preservation strategies tailored to their specific goals and circumstances.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningWealth Management
    Ideal clients: High-net-worth individuals, Pre-retirees and retirees, Families seeking personalized wealth strategies
    What sets them apart
    • As an independent firm, Miner Wealth Management is not tied to a specific product vendor, allowing for unbiased recommendations aligned with client interests.
    • The firm provides holistic financial planning that addresses investment management, retirement strategy, and wealth preservation as integrated components of a cohesive plan.
    Wealth ManagementFinancial PlanningInvestment AdvisoryRetirement Planning
    Phone(919) 210-4773
    Miner Wealth Management
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →
    57
    Lantern
    Score
    Raleigh, NC · 11 mi from Cary
    Serves Raleigh, NC and surrounding areas
    ★★★★☆3.6(7 Google reviews)

    Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Raleigh offers comprehensive financial advisory services including investment management, retirement planning, and wealth strategy for individuals and families. As part of Bank of America's wealth division, they provide access to institutional-quality investment research, portfolio management, and personalized financial planning to help clients build and preserve wealth.

    Best for: Retirement PlanningWealth Management
    Ideal clients: High-net-worth individuals, families planning retirement, investors seeking comprehensive wealth strategy, business owners
    What sets them apart
    • Access to BofA's research, investment platforms, and financial resources as part of a major global financial institution.
    • Offers integrated solutions including investment management, retirement planning, estate strategy, and wealth preservation tailored to individual goals.
    Wealth ManagementInvestment AdvisoryRetirement PlanningFinancial PlanningPortfolio Management
    Phone(919) 829-2000
    Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
    Updated 4/16/26Learn More →

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who is the top-ranked financial advisor in Cary, NC?

    Peace Of Mind Wealth Management is the top-ranked financial advisor in the Cary area with a Lantern Score of 82.92/100 and a 5-star rating based on 39 reviews. They specialize in comprehensive retirement planning and are particularly well-suited for pre-retirees, retirees, and couples seeking coordinated financial strategies.

    Which financial advisors in Cary specialize in retirement planning for pre-retirees?

    Several top-ranked firms specialize in pre-retirement planning, including Peace Of Mind Wealth Management (Lantern Score 82.92), Left Tackle Advisors (82.56), and Raleigh Wealth Solutions (79.77). All three offer comprehensive retirement income strategies and personalized planning for those approaching or in retirement.

    What financial advisors are best for business owners in Cary?

    BSG Advisers (Lantern Score 82.45, 5★) and Steward Wealth Strategies (82.67, 4.9★) are both highly-ranked for serving business owners in the Cary and Apex area. BSG Advisers specifically offers tailored tax and wealth strategies, while Steward Wealth Strategies provides comprehensive wealth management for those seeking to transition careers or manage complex finances.

    Which Cary financial advisors are best for high-net-worth individuals?

    Hilltop Wealth Advisors (Lantern Score 81.80, 5★) specializes in high-net-worth individuals and families with $1M+ in investable assets, while Cerity Partners (80.19, 5★) serves affluent clients including business owners and executives with complex compensation packages. Cardinal Hill Wealth Management (80.64, 5★) also offers comprehensive planning specifically for high-net-worth clients.

    Are there financial advisors in Cary led by women?

    Vesta Wealth Advisors is a Raleigh-based firm (Lantern Score 79.34, 5★) led by women advisors Kate Anders, Elaine Jolley, and Mary Norton. They specialize in personalized financial planning and are committed to serving women and underserved populations in wealth management.

    Which Cary-based financial advisors offer fee-only services?

    Peace Of Mind Wealth Management (Lantern Score 82.92), Family Legacy Financial Solutions (81.80), Hilltop Wealth Advisors (81.80), Ark Royal Wealth Management (79.93), and Testament Wealth Management (74.96) all operate on a fee-only basis. Fee-only advisors typically avoid commission-based conflicts of interest and provide transparent pricing.

    This directory of financial advisors local businesses serving Cary, NC is maintained by Lantern. Rankings are determined by the Lantern Score — not advertising or payment for placement. Learn how it works. Last updated April 16, 2026. To claim or update a listing, contact us.