How to Choose a Financial Advisor in CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA

A data-driven guide based on 203 registered advisors in CHARLOTTESVILLE

Local Market Overview

There are 203 registered financial advisors in CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia. Approximately 85% report fee-based compensation, while 9% include commission-based compensation. The average firm serving CHARLOTTESVILLE manages $4.3B in assets.

Registered Advisors

203

In CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA

Avg Firm AUM

$4.3B

Assets under management

Top Credential

—

Community Profile

CHARLOTTESVILLE has a population of 46,289 with a median household income of $67,177. The median age is 32.4.

Advisor density: 43.9 per 10K residents

Median income: $67,177

Compensation Types Reported

Percentage of AUM

85% of advisors · 173 total

Performance-based fees

45% of advisors · 92 total

Subscription fees

16% of advisors · 33 total

Hourly charges

15% of advisors · 30 total

Other: PERCENT OF CONSULTING, FLAT FEE FOR FINANCIAL PLANNING

10% of advisors · 20 total

Commissions

9% of advisors · 19 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 Virginia 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 CHARLOTTESVILLE

203 advisors in CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA

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

Browse CHARLOTTESVILLE Advisors All Cities in Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions

How many financial advisors are in CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA?

There are 203 registered financial advisors in CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, according to SEC and FINRA registration data.

What credentials should a financial advisor in CHARLOTTESVILLE 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 CHARLOTTESVILLE 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 CHARLOTTESVILLE 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.

Guides for Nearby Cities

RICHMOND Guide (555)ARLINGTON Guide (226)MCLEAN Guide (211)ALEXANDRIA Guide (149)RESTON Guide (142)VIENNA Guide (100)VIRGINIA BEACH Guide (85)NORFOLK Guide (74)FAIRFAX Guide (61)GLEN ALLEN Guide (60)

Browse CHARLOTTESVILLE Advisors by Specialty

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

More Research

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