5 Best Financial Planners in Rhode Island (2026 Update)
Last updated 01/13/2026 • By Jason Siperstein, CFA, CFP®, RMA®
📌 Our Perspective: As Rhode Island financial advisors, we specialize in helping people aged 60+ transition into retirement. While this is our focus, there are advisors who specialize in other areas who we hold in high regard.
Looking for a trusted financial advisor in Rhode Island? You’re not alone. With over 300 registered investment advisory firms in the Ocean State, finding the right financial planner can feel overwhelming. And the landscape has changed dramatically in just the past year.
At Eliot Rose Wealth Management, we specialize in helping people aged 60+ transition into retirement. While this is our focus, there are advisors who specialize in other areas who we hold in high regard and believe deserve recognition.
Looking for a trusted financial advisor in Rhode Island? You’re not alone. With over 300 registered investment advisory firms in the Ocean State, finding the right financial planner can feel overwhelming. And the landscape has changed dramatically in just the past year.
At Eliot Rose Wealth Management, we specialize in helping people aged 60+ transition into retirement. While this is our focus, there are advisors who specialize in other areas who we hold in high regard and believe deserve recognition.
WHAT’S HAPPENED SINCE 2025
In 2026, the Rhode Island financial advisory landscape isn’t just changing, it’s being redrawn. If it feels like your local advisor’s office has suddenly been rebranded with a bank logo or an unfamiliar national name, you aren’t imagining things.
⚠️ Since our 2025 article, nearly $4 billion in local assets have moved from independent hands to national corporate giants:
➡️ Corrigan Financial (Middletown) joined national firm Savant
➡️ KLR Wealth was acquired by Massachusetts-based Baldwin Wealth Partners
➡️ Lighthouse Financial joined Washington Trust
➡️ Randall Financial Group was folded into Navigant Credit Union
This consolidation trend makes finding truly independent advisors more important than ever. These changes aren’t inherently bad. But if you value direct access, quick decisions, and fully customized solutions, independence matters.
Why This List is Different
Most “best of” lists rank financial advisors solely by assets under management or firm size. But bigger doesn’t always mean better, especially when it comes to personalized financial planning. Our analysis focuses on quality, specialization, and client-first practices rather than marketing budgets or sales teams.
As Past Chairman and President of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) of Rhode Island, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside many exceptional advisors throughout the state. This insider perspective allows us to highlight advisors who truly excel in their specialized areas.
OUR EVALUATION CRITERIA
We evaluated all 317 SEC-registered advisory firms in Rhode Island (you can view the complete list by searching for SEC-registered financial advisors in Rhode Island). Our selection criteria focused on quality over quantity:
✅ Act as fiduciaries in every regard
✅ Are “fee-only”
✅ Lead with financial planning
✅ Hold advanced certifications in addition to the CFP®
✅ Adhere to a long-term investment philosophy
Top 5 Financial Advisors in Rhode Island
Based on this evaluation process and insider knowledge, these five advisors consistently stood out for their specialized expertise, advanced credentials, and genuine commitment to putting clients first. Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, each has developed deep knowledge in specific areas where they can provide exceptional value. Here’s who they serve and why they excel:
1️⃣ ELIOT ROSE WEALTH MANAGEMENT
✅ Best for Those Transitioning or Living in Retirement
Retirement planning is completely different from general financial planning. The primary focus shifts from growing assets to using them wisely, necessitating a whole new framework. The team specializes in the retirement transition, with Jason Siperstein (President) holding credentials like CFP®, CFA, and RMA®—a perfect blend to help clients achieve their retirement milestones!
2️⃣ EXPERIENCE YOUR WEALTH
✅ Best for Young Families with Student Loans and/or Equity Compensation
Student loans are complicated (as is equity compensation!) – if you have either, you will definitely want some expert advice. Not only does Jake Northrup (founder) hold the CFP®, he has also earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation (CFA) – which is considered the gold standard in investments, and the CSLP®, short for Certified Student Loan Professional.
3️⃣ SK WEALTH MANAGEMENT
✅ Best for Non-Traditional Families
Non-traditional couples/families can face unique financial planning challenges. Jason Archambault (founder), a CFP® and CPA, has the experience to advise on and guide clients forward in this niche area.
4️⃣ SOUTH COAST PLANNING & WEALTH MANAGEMENT
✅ Best for Advice-Only Planning
5️⃣ NAPFA / FEE-ONLY SPECIALIST SEARCH
✅ Best for Specialized Situations
Given how much consolidation we’ve seen recently, the best “fifth option” isn’t another independent boutique firm. It’s a strategy. If your situation is niche (cross-border planning, divorce planning, special needs planning, military benefits, etc.), it may be worth seeking a true specialist rather than defaulting to a generalist at a large bank or national firm.
Two of the best places to search are the NAPFA (National Association of Personal Financial Advisors) directory and the Fee-Only Network.
* Please note that this list is not a testimonial, endorsement, or ranking, but just my opinion.
OUR TAKE: While we scoured through the regulatory filings of all advisors in Rhode Island, there is a much easier way to do your own research. There are two sites where you can search for fee-only advisors in your area Fee Only Network and National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA).
What Sets Us Apart from other Rhode Island Financial Planners?
✅ Retirement Transition Expertise: Unlike generalist advisors, we exclusively serve individuals and couples over 60 who are transitioning into or living in retirement. This specialization means we understand the shift from wealth accumulation to wealth preservation and income generation—a fundamentally different challenge that requires specialized knowledge.
✅ Tax-Smart Retirement Strategies: Many retirees are surprised to discover their tax bill actually increases in retirement. We focus heavily on tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, Roth conversions, Social Security optimization, and Medicare planning to help you keep more of what you’ve earned.
✅ Boutique-Level Service: We intentionally limit our client roster to ensure every client receives the personalized attention and proactive guidance they deserve. You’ll work directly with senior advisors, not junior staff or call centers.
If our expertise matches your situation, consider scheduling a free consultation with our firm.
What to Look For When Hiring a Financial Advisor in RI?
Finding a financial planner is like picking a doctor – you want to get it right. Talk to a few, ask the hard questions, and don’t rush it. The right advisor is out there, and taking your time to find them is worth it. To make your search easier, we’ve created a comprehensive guide with key questions to ask during your advisor interviews:
➡️ Top 5 Questions to Ask A Financial Advisor in 2025
If hiring a financial planner isn’t in your budget, you still have options. The Financial Planning Association of Rhode Island offers pro bono services for qualifying individuals and families.
For DIY planning, resources from your local library, AARP, and the CFP Board can help you get started. Many banks and credit unions also offer free financial counseling to members.
While these resources are valuable starting points, complex retirement and tax planning situations often benefit from professional guidance when your financial situation allows—even a single hourly consultation can provide targeted advice for specific questions.
Finding a financial planner is like picking a doctor – you want to get it right. Talk to a few, ask the hard questions, and don’t rush it. The right advisor is out there, and taking your time to find them is worth it.
To make your search easier, we’ve created a comprehensive guide with key questions to ask during your advisor interviews:
➡️ Top 5 Questions to Ask A Financial Advisor in 2025
If hiring a financial planner isn’t in your budget, you still have options. The Financial Planning Association of Rhode Island offers pro bono services for qualifying individuals and families.
For DIY planning, resources from your local library, AARP, and the CFP Board can help you get started. Many banks and credit unions also offer free financial counseling to members.
While these resources are valuable starting points, complex retirement and tax planning situations often benefit from professional guidance when your financial situation allows—even a single hourly consultation can provide targeted advice for specific questions.
RED FLAGS TO AVOID
Not all financial advisors operate with your best interests in mind. Watch out for these warning signs that indicate you should look elsewhere:
⚠️ Promises of guaranteed returns or “beating the market”
⚠️ Pressure to make immediate decisions
⚠️ Lack of transparency about fees or compensation
Frequently Asked Questions
A fiduciary must put your needs first, always. Fiduciaries are legally required to recommend what’s best for you, not what makes the advisor the most money. Not all financial advisors are fiduciaries.
You pay the advisor directly—that’s it. Fee-only advisors don’t get paid by insurance companies or investment firms to sell you products. This means their advice isn’t influenced by commissions.
A Certified Financial Planner has completed extensive training, passed rigorous exams, and must follow strict ethical standards. It’s one of the most respected credentials in financial planning.
Look up any advisor at the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure database – https://adviserinfo.sec.gov. This free site show credentials, employment history, and any disciplinary actions. Always check before hiring.
Finding the right financial advisor takes time, but it’s worth the effort. If you have questions along the way, we’re always happy to help point you in the right direction.
By Jason Siperstein, CFA, CFP®, RMA®
Jason Siperstein is a fee-only financial planner that specializes in retirement planning. He is based in Rhode Island and serves clients locally and across the country. Jason is called on by local and national news to share his insights.
