City Guide

How to Choose a Financial Advisor in TRAVERSE CITY, MI

A data-driven guide based on 32 registered advisors in TRAVERSE CITY
01

Local Market Overview

There are 32 registered financial advisors in TRAVERSE CITY, Michigan. Approximately 100% report fee-based compensation, while 9% include commission-based compensation. The average firm serving TRAVERSE CITY manages $262M in assets.

Registered Advisors
32
In TRAVERSE CITY, MI
Avg Firm AUM
$262M
Assets under management
Top Credential
CFP
3 advisors
Compensation Types Reported
Percentage of AUM
100% of advisors · 32 total
Subscription fees
94% of advisors · 30 total
Hourly charges
75% of advisors · 24 total
Other: SOLICITOR FEES FOR ASSETS MANAGED BY OTHER INVESTMENT ADVISORS
9% of advisors · 3 total
Other: CONSULTING FEES
9% of advisors · 3 total
Commissions
9% of advisors · 3 total
02

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.
03

Browse Advisors in TRAVERSE CITY

32 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 AdvisorsAll Cities in Michigan
04

Frequently Asked Questions

How many financial advisors are in TRAVERSE CITY, MI?
There are 32 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. The most common credential among TRAVERSE CITY advisors is CFP.
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 ManagementRetirement PlanningWealth ManagementFinancial PlanningFee-Only AdvisoryFinancial Education
More Research
What Do Financial Advisors Cost in Michigan? →National Fee Analysis →