How to Choose a Financial Advisor in CLEVELAND, OH

A data-driven guide based on 169 registered advisors in CLEVELAND

Local Market Overview

There are 169 registered financial advisors in CLEVELAND, Ohio. Approximately 98% report fee-based compensation, while 20% include commission-based compensation. The average firm serving CLEVELAND manages $5.3B in assets.

Registered Advisors

169

In CLEVELAND, OH

Avg Firm AUM

$5.3B

Assets under management

Top Credential

CFP

12 advisors

Community Profile

CLEVELAND has a population of 370,365 with a median household income of $37,271. The median age is 36.3.

Advisor density: 4.6 per 10K residents

Median income: $37,271

Most Common Credentials in CLEVELAND

CFP

12 advisors

CFA

5 advisors

ChFC

4 advisors

Compensation Types Reported

Percentage of AUM

98% of advisors · 165 total

Subscription fees

82% of advisors · 138 total

Hourly charges

41% of advisors · 69 total

Performance-based fees

27% of advisors · 45 total

Commissions

20% of advisors · 34 total

Other: PERCENTAGE OF NON-INVESTMENT INCOME

8% of advisors · 13 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 Ohio 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 CLEVELAND

169 advisors in CLEVELAND, OH

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

Browse CLEVELAND Advisors All Cities in Ohio

Frequently Asked Questions

How many financial advisors are in CLEVELAND, OH?

There are 169 registered financial advisors in CLEVELAND, Ohio, according to SEC and FINRA registration data.

What credentials should a financial advisor in CLEVELAND 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 CLEVELAND advisors is CFP.

Are financial advisors in CLEVELAND 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 CLEVELAND 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 CLEVELAND Advisors by Specialty

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

More Research

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