City Guide

How to Choose a Financial Advisor in FARGO, ND

A data-driven guide based on 29 registered advisors in FARGO
01

Local Market Overview

There are 29 registered financial advisors in FARGO, North Dakota. Approximately 69% report fee-based compensation, while 0% include commission-based compensation. The average firm serving FARGO manages $152M in assets.

Registered Advisors
29
In FARGO, ND
Avg Firm AUM
$152M
Assets under management
Top Credential
Community Profile

FARGO has a population of 127,319 with a median household income of $64,432. The median age is 31.9.

Advisor density: 2.3 per 10K residents
Median income: $64,432
Compensation Types Reported
Percentage of AUM
69% of advisors · 20 total
Hourly charges
62% of advisors · 18 total
Subscription fees
62% of advisors · 18 total
Other: ONLY PROMOTER ACTIVITY
28% of advisors · 8 total
Fixed fees
10% of advisors · 3 total
Other: SETUP / ONBOARDING FEES
10% 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 North Dakota 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 FARGO

29 advisors in FARGO, ND

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

04

Frequently Asked Questions

How many financial advisors are in FARGO, ND?
There are 29 registered financial advisors in FARGO, North Dakota, according to SEC and FINRA registration data.
What credentials should a financial advisor in FARGO 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 FARGO 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 FARGO 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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