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Financial Advisors in Columbus, GA: 2026 rankings

35 financial advisors ranked by RFA ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest RFA Score in Columbus: Bill Clayton - Rate, RFA Score 78/100; 5.0★ from 225 Google reviews.

  2. 32

    Most-reviewed: Bratton Automotive Inc., 325 Google reviews at 4.4★, the most of 35 ranked; ranked #32.

Rankings can't be bought. Financial advisors can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

35 Columbus financial advisors are ranked here by RFA Score, from eight published factors. 8 open Saturdays and 3 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.9★ across 35 rated firms.

Top 10 financial advisors in Columbus at a glance

Ranked by RFA Score from public data such as Google reviews, not by investment performance; sponsored listings are paid, shown separately and never change rank.

Top 10 financial advisors in Columbus at a glance
RankBusinessRFA ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursNotable for
1Bill Clayton - Rate785.0★ (225)Columbus—Top score
2Rate775.0★ (166)Columbus——
3Armed Forces Benefits Network774.9★ (168)Columbus——
4First Command Financial Advisor - Shawn Broe745.0★ (58)Columbus——
5AshBer, LLC715.0★ (22)Columbus——
6First Command Financial Advisor - Charles McLendon705.0★ (17)Columbus——
7Wilson Financial and Sons LLC704.8★ (19)ColumbusSat · Sun · Evenings—
8Charlene Minor - COUNTRY Financial Representative704.9★ (17)Columbus——
9First Command Financial Advisor - Howard Rush, ChFC®|RICP®|CFP®705.0★ (15)Columbus——
10First Command Financial Advisor - Will Kepley695.0★ (13)Columbus——

All 35 financial advisors in Columbus, in rank order

Ordered by RFA Score, a 0–100 score from eight published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.

Ranked by RFA Score from public data such as Google reviews, not by investment performance; sponsored listings are paid, shown separately and never change rank.

Scores below: based on 6 of 8 factors; registration and recency not yet collected. Hatched segments mark factors we don't have yet.

  1. Ranked #1 in Columbus

    #1 Bill Clayton - Rate

    Based in Columbus

    78/100RFA Score

    Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 225 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 225 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    7830 Veterans Pkwy Bldg b, Columbus, GA 31909
    View profile for Bill Clayton - Rate(706) 660-5245

  2. #2 Rate

    Based in Columbus

    77/100RFA Score

    Ranked #2 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 166 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 166 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    7830 Veterans Pkwy Bldg b, Columbus, GA 31909
    View profile for Rate(706) 576-2451

  5. #5 AshBer, LLC

    Based in Columbus

    71/100RFA Score

    Ranked #5 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 22 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.

    • 5.0★ from 22 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    8500 Midland Woods Ct, Midland, GA 31820
    View profile for AshBer, LLC(888) 441-1595

  13. #13 First Command

    Based in Columbus

    68/100RFA Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.9★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 4.9★ from 9 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    233 12th St Suite 204, Columbus, GA 31901
    View profile for First Command(706) 323-9980

  14. #14 Truist

    Based in Columbus

    68/100RFA Score

    Ranked #14 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.6★ from 36 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.

    • 3.6★ from 36 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1246 1st Ave, Columbus, GA 31901
    View profile for Truist(706) 649-3690

  16. #16 Truist

    Based in Columbus

    67/100RFA Score

    Ranked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.4★ from 57 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.

    • 3.4★ from 57 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat 9 AM–12 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    1645 Bradley Park Dr, Columbus, GA 31904
    View profile for Truist(706) 223-6139

  19. #19 Truist

    Based in Columbus

    67/100RFA Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.3★ from 34 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.

    • 3.3★ from 34 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    3491 Courtyard Way, Columbus, GA 31909
    View profile for Truist(706) 530-3069

  20. #20 Heights Finance

    Based in Phenix City, 3 mi away

    66/100RFA Score

    Ranked #20 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.8★ from 235 Google reviews.

    • 4.8★ from 235 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2031 E 280 Byp, Phenix City, AL 36867
    View profile for Heights Finance(334) 448-7887

  21. #21 Truist

    Based in Columbus

    66/100RFA Score

    Ranked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.2★ from 40 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.

    • 3.2★ from 40 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat 9 AM–12 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    2050 Auburn Ave, Columbus, GA 31906
    View profile for Truist(706) 223-6011

  23. #23 Essential Enterprises LLC

    Based in Columbus

    66/100RFA Score

    Ranked #23 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.

    • 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 10 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    3025 University Ave Ste 204A, Columbus, GA 31907
    View profile for Essential Enterprises LLC

  25. #25 Jeffrey A Temple CPA LLC

    Based in Phenix City, 1 mi away

    66/100RFA Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–4:30 PM · Wed closed · Thu–Fri 8 AM–4:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1101 Broad St, Phenix City, AL 36867
    View profile for Jeffrey A Temple CPA LLC(334) 298-3166

All 35 financial advisors

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #35, in RFA Score order; each links to its profile.

financial advisors in Columbus, ranks 26 to 35
RankBusinessRFA ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Speakman Financial LLC665.0★ (3)In Columbus
27Townsend Wealth Management665.0★ (3)In Columbus
28Johnson Expert Credit & Tax Services665.0★ (3)In Columbus
29First Command District Advisor - Andrew Lawfield664.7★ (3)In Columbus
30Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor John Flory663.0★ (6)In Columbus
31Bank of America (with Drive-thru ATM)632.7★ (134)In Columbus
32Bratton Automotive Inc.634.4★ (325)9 mi
33Cents of Value, LLC - Financial Coaching625.0★ (8)22 mi
34Republic Finance593.9★ (31)In Columbus
35SCORE574.8★ (5)In Columbus

Also serving Columbus

20 more financial advisors within 25 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked financial advisors serving Columbus
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Campbell Cartledge Bleke - Morgan StanleyIn Columbus
Danny Earl Talbot: Primerica - Financial Services5.0★ (1)In Columbus
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Brad Brooks5.0★ (1)In Columbus
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Jerry A Broughton, AAMS®5.0★ (2)In Columbus
Elite Skippers Inc.1.0★ (2)In Columbus
First Command Financial Advisor - Kelsey Graham5.0★ (2)In Columbus
First Command Financial Advisor - Rodney Gatton5.0★ (2)In Columbus
Jordan Buchman - COUNTRY Financial Agent5.0★ (2)In Columbus
Larry D. Smith Jr. - Raymond James5.0★ (1)In Columbus
Lincoln Financial Advisors3.0★ (2)In Columbus
Mars Capital Management LLC5.0★ (1)In Columbus
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management5.0★ (1)In Columbus
Momentum Wealth Management | Matt Hightower5.0★ (1)In Columbus
Money Advisor Group3.0★ (2)In Columbus
Northwestern Mutual Financial2.0★ (1)In Columbus
Raymond James & Associates5.0★ (2)In Columbus
Royalty Financial ConsultantsIn Columbus
Stifel5.0★ (1)In Columbus
Wells Fargo Advisors5.0★ (1)In Columbus
Williams & Associates5.0★ (2)In Columbus

How we ranked Columbus financial advisors

We scored 35 Columbus financial advisors on eight factors, weighted as shown. A firm is ranked when its specialty is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Sponsored businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

RFA Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Columbus data
Reputation30%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it (client experience, not investment results)Measured
Registration20%Active SEC, state or Canadian securities registration matched in public records (not yet measured)Not yet collected
Review volume10%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the listMeasured
Recency5%Share of reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Specialty focus15%How clearly the firm offers this specialty (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity5%Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The firm has claimed its Ranked Financial Advisors profile (free or paid earn the same)Measured
Partnered5%The firm links to Ranked Financial Advisors from its own website with our badge, checked periodicallyMeasured

How to choose a financial advisor

  1. Confirm the financial advisor and the firm are registered: Investor.gov and FINRA BrokerCheck in the US, the CSA National Registration Search in Canada. Read any disclosure events.
  2. Ask whether they act as a fiduciary on your account at all times, and get the answer in writing.
  3. Ask how they are paid: a percentage of assets, flat or hourly fees, a retainer, commissions, or a mix. Each creates different conflicts of interest.
  4. Read the firm’s Form CRS and Form ADV Part 2A brochure (fees, services, conflicts, disciplinary history) before you sign.
  5. Check designations with the body that grants them, such as the CFP Board for CFP® professionals.
  6. Ask about account minimums and who holds your money: your assets should sit with an independent custodian in your name.
  7. Compare at least two or three firms, and be wary of anyone who promises returns or pushes you to decide quickly.

Questions to ask a financial advisor

  • Are you a fiduciary for all of the advice you give me, and will you put that in writing?
  • How are you paid, in total dollars per year for an account like mine? Do you earn commissions or other payments from product providers?
  • Which registrations and designations do you hold, and where can I verify them?
  • Who will hold my assets, and how will I see statements directly from that custodian?
  • What services are included in your fee, and what would cost extra with you as my financial advisor?
  • Do you have a minimum account size or minimum fee?
  • Have you or your firm had any complaints or disciplinary actions? Where would I see them?
  • How often will we meet, and who will I work with day to day?
  • What happens to my plan or accounts if you retire or leave the firm?

Terms explained

Fiduciary
Someone legally required to act in a client’s interest. In the US, registered investment advisers owe their clients a fiduciary duty of care and loyalty under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Registered investment adviser (RIA)
A firm registered with the SEC or a state securities regulator to give investment advice for pay. Most firms managing $100 million or more register with the SEC; smaller firms usually register with their state.
Investment adviser representative (IAR)
A person who gives advice on behalf of a registered investment adviser, usually registered with the states where they work.
Broker-dealer
A firm that buys and sells securities for customers. US broker-dealers are members of FINRA; their registered representatives typically earn commissions.
Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI)
The SEC rule, in force since June 30, 2020, requiring broker-dealers to act in a retail customer’s best interest when recommending a security or account type.
Form ADV
The registration form every investment adviser files. Part 1 holds facts about the firm; Part 2A, the brochure, describes services, fees, conflicts of interest and disciplinary history in plain English.
Form CRS
A short relationship summary that advisers and broker-dealers give retail investors, covering services, fees, conflicts, standard of conduct and disciplinary history.
CRD number
The Central Registration Depository number FINRA and the SEC assign to each firm and registered person; use it to look them up on Investor.gov or BrokerCheck.
Assets under management (AUM) fee
A yearly fee set as a percentage of the money an advisor manages for you. Advisor surveys have put the median around 1% on accounts up to $1 million, lower on larger accounts.
Fee-only
An advisor paid only by clients, with no commissions or other payments from product providers.
Fee-based
An advisor who charges client fees and may also earn commissions on some products. It is not the same as fee-only.
CFP® professional
A person certified by the CFP Board after meeting education, exam, experience and ethics requirements. The CFP Board requires them to act as a fiduciary when giving financial advice.

Financial advisors in Columbus: frequently asked questions

Which financial advisor has the highest RFA Score in Columbus?

By RFA Score, the highest-ranked financial advisor in Columbus, GA is Bill Clayton - Rate with an RFA Score of 78/100. It has 5.0★ from 225 Google reviews. Rate (#2) and Armed Forces Benefits Network (#3) follow. We ranked 35 financial advisors on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many financial advisors are there in Columbus?

RankedFinancialAdvisors ranks 35 financial advisors serving Columbus, GA. 31 of them are based in Columbus; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 25 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.

Which financial advisors in Columbus work on weekends?

8 of 35 ranked financial advisors post Saturday hours and 3 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Wilson Financial and Sons LLC (#7), Truist (#16) and Capital Wealth Management Group (#17). Many advisors meet by appointment, including evenings or by video, outside their posted office hours.

What Google rating do Columbus financial advisors have?

The median Google rating among 35 rated financial advisors in Columbus is 4.9★, with a median of 15 reviews. Bratton Automotive Inc. has the most, 325 reviews, and ranks #32. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedFinancialAdvisors rank financial advisors?

Each financial advisor gets a 0–100 RFA Score from eight published factors, led by reputation (30%), specialty focus (15%), review volume (10%) and claimed profile (10%). A firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only firms with a confirmed specialty and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.

Do financial advisors outside Columbus count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the Columbus city center, our service radius for financial advisors. Each listing shows where the firm is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 5% of the RFA Score, so a nearby firm gets a small edge.

Can financial advisors pay to rank higher on RankedFinancialAdvisors?

No. The RFA Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured firms may appear above the list, labelled Sponsored and showing their honest rank.

What does a financial advisor do?

Financial advisors help clients plan and manage their money, from budgeting and saving to investing, retirement and estate questions. In the US they work as registered investment adviser representatives, as broker-dealer representatives, or both.

How are financial advisors in Columbus ranked?

By RFA Score: public signals such as the Google rating and review count, how clearly the firm offers financial advice and how close it is. Paid placements never change the order, and the score does not measure investment performance.

How do I check a financial advisor’s registration and record?

Search the person and the firm on Investor.gov (the SEC’s adviser search) and on FINRA BrokerCheck. A firm’s Form ADV and any disciplinary history are public there.

Is every financial advisor in Columbus a fiduciary?

Not necessarily. Investment adviser representatives owe a fiduciary duty on advisory accounts; broker-dealer representatives follow Regulation Best Interest when they recommend a security. Ask which applies to your account and read the firm’s Form CRS.

How much do financial advisors charge?

Fees depend on the firm and the service: a percentage of assets managed each year, a flat or hourly planning fee, a retainer, or commissions. Ask for the fee schedule in writing and read the firm’s Form ADV Part 2A brochure or, in Canada, its relationship disclosure.

Update log for Columbus

  1. November 2026: RFA Scores recalculated for 35 financial advisors serving Columbus.
  2. November 2026: 1 duplicate listing merged.

More financial advisors and Columbus pages

Financial advisors near Columbus