How to Choose a Financial Advisor in TRAVERSE CITY, MI

A data-driven guide based on 39 registered advisors in TRAVERSE CITY

Local Market Overview

There are 39 registered financial advisors in TRAVERSE CITY, Michigan. Approximately 95% report fee-based compensation, while 10% include commission-based compensation. The average firm serving TRAVERSE CITY manages $256M in assets.

Registered Advisors

In TRAVERSE CITY, MI

Avg Firm AUM

$256M

Assets under management

Top Credential

—

Compensation Types Reported

Percentage of AUM

95% of advisors · 37 total

Subscription fees

82% of advisors · 32 total

Hourly charges

64% of advisors · 25 total

Commissions

10% of advisors · 4 total

Other: SOLICITOR FEES FOR ASSETS MANAGED BY OTHER INVESTMENT ADVISORS

8% of advisors · 3 total

Other: CONSULTING FEES

8% of advisors · 3 total

What to Look For

Check their credentials

The CFP (Certified Financial Planner) is the gold standard for comprehensive financial planning. A CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) signals deep investment expertise, while a ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) covers insurance and estate planning.

Understand fee structures

Fee-only advisors charge only for their advice (hourly, flat fee, or % of AUM). Fee-based advisors may also earn commissions on products they sell. Commission-only advisors earn money from product sales. Fee-only is generally considered the least conflicted model. See Michigan fee analysis →

Verify their registration

Every legitimate advisor should be registered with the SEC or their state. Check FINRA BrokerCheck for disciplinary history, disclosures, and registration status. All advisors on AdvisorOS are sourced from official SEC/FINRA registration data.

Ask about account minimums

Some advisors require $250,000 or more to open an account. Others work with any portfolio size. Ask upfront to avoid wasting time on advisors who aren't a fit.

Review their Form CRS

The Form CRS (Client Relationship Summary) is a 2-page document every advisor must provide. It explains services, fees, conflicts of interest, and disciplinary history in plain language. Ask for it before your first meeting.

Browse Advisors in TRAVERSE CITY

39 advisors in TRAVERSE CITY, MI

Search the full directory of registered financial advisors in TRAVERSE CITY. Compare credentials, specialties, and firm details — all based on SEC and FINRA public data.

Browse TRAVERSE CITY Advisors All Cities in Michigan

Frequently Asked Questions

How many financial advisors are in TRAVERSE CITY, MI?

There are 39 registered financial advisors in TRAVERSE CITY, Michigan, according to SEC and FINRA registration data.

What credentials should a financial advisor in TRAVERSE CITY have?

Look for CFP (Certified Financial Planner) for comprehensive planning, CFA for investment management, or ChFC for insurance and estate planning.

Are financial advisors in TRAVERSE CITY required to be fiduciaries?

Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) have a fiduciary duty to act in your best interest. Broker-dealers follow a suitability standard. Always ask your advisor about their fiduciary status and get it in writing.

What do financial advisors in TRAVERSE CITY charge?

Fees vary widely. Fee-only advisors typically charge 0.5%–1.5% of assets under management, $150–$400/hour, or flat fees of $1,000–$7,500+ per plan. Commission-based advisors may not charge fees directly but earn commissions on products.

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Browse TRAVERSE CITY Advisors by Specialty

Investment Management Retirement Planning Wealth Management Financial Planning Fee-Only Advisory Financial Education

More Research

What Do Financial Advisors Cost in Michigan? →National Fee Analysis →