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Financial Advisors in Vista, CA: 2026 rankings

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest RFA Score in Vista: iMerge Financial, RFA Score 73/100; 4.9★ from 574 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.

  2. 3

    Most-reviewed: Accredited Debt Relief, 14,445 Google reviews at 4.8★, the most of 272 ranked; ranked #3.

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

272 Vista financial advisors are ranked here by RFA Score, from eight published factors. 37 open Saturdays and 12 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 5.0★ across 272 rated firms.

Top 10 financial advisors in Vista 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 Vista at a glance
RankBusinessRFA ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursNotable for
1iMerge Financial734.9★ (574)Carlsbad, 7 mi awaySat · SunTop score
2Insurance Experts Solutions735.0★ (766)National City, 12 mi awaySat—
3Accredited Debt Relief724.8★ (14,445)San Diego, 23 mi awaySat · Sun · EveningsMost reviews
4MyDirect IRA725.0★ (109)Oceanside, 3 mi awaySat—
5DePauw Johnson Tax & Financial Services724.9★ (92)VistaSat · Evenings—
6San Diego Tax & Financial Associates724.9★ (277)Carlsbad, 7 mi away——
7IDA Wealth - Intelligence Driven Advisers725.0★ (131)Carlsbad, 5 mi away——
8Deferred.com (Formerly Plenti Financial)715.0★ (144)Carlsbad, 7 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
9PDS Debt714.9★ (1,445)San Diego, 19 mi awaySat · Sun · Evenings—
10Chris Hayes: Primerica - Financial Services715.0★ (47)Vista——

All 272 financial advisors in Vista, 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 Vista

    #1 iMerge Financial

    Based in Carlsbad, 7 mi away

    73/100RFA Score

    Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.9★ from 574 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.

    • 4.9★ from 574 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 7 AM–6 PM
    Address
    701 Palomar Airport Rd #300, Carlsbad, CA 92011
    View profile for iMerge Financial(855) 684-4100

  3. #3 Accredited Debt Relief

    Based in San Diego, 23 mi away

    72/100RFA Score

    Ranked #3 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.8★ from 14,445 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.

    • 4.8★ from 14,445 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 5 AM–8 PM · Sat–Sun 5 AM–7 PM
    Address
    4370 La Jolla Village Dr Ste 920, San Diego, CA 92122
    View profile for Accredited Debt Relief(855) 481-7154

  4. #4 MyDirect IRA

    Based in Oceanside, 3 mi away

    72/100RFA Score

    Ranked #4 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 109 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.

    • 5.0★ from 109 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 6 AM–6 PM · Sat 1 PM–4 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    4167 Avenida De La Plata #104, Oceanside, CA 92056
    View profile for MyDirect IRA(760) 303-5909

  9. #9 PDS Debt

    Based in San Diego, 19 mi away

    71/100RFA Score

    Ranked #9 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.9★ from 1,445 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 4.9★ from 1,445 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sun 12 AM–12 AM
    Address
    13520 Evening Creek Dr N Ste 140, San Diego, CA 92128
    View profile for PDS Debt(435) 660-4722

  14. #14 Seaside Wealth Management

    Based in Carlsbad, 5 mi away

    71/100RFA Score

    Ranked #14 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 78 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 78 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    6154 Innovation Way, Carlsbad, CA 92009
    View profile for Seaside Wealth Management(760) 730-8120

  17. #17 My Solo 401k Financial

    Based in Carlsbad, 7 mi away

    70/100RFA Score

    Ranked #17 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.9★ from 91 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.

    • 4.9★ from 91 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    701 Palomar Airport Rd #300, Carlsbad, CA 92011
    View profile for My Solo 401k Financial(800) 489-7571

  18. #18 Starkey Brothers

    Based in Oceanside, 5 mi away

    69/100RFA Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 42 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 42 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    3186 Vista Way Ste 201, Oceanside, CA 92056
    View profile for Starkey Brothers(760) 761-0993

  19. #19 Trajan Wealth

    Based in Carlsbad, 7 mi away

    69/100RFA Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 55 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 55 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    701 Palomar Airport Rd #300, Carlsbad, CA 92011
    View profile for Trajan Wealth(760) 607-4444

  20. #20 Root Financial

    Based in Encinitas, 12 mi away

    69/100RFA Score

    Ranked #20 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.9★ from 108 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 4.9★ from 108 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1106 2nd St #102, Encinitas, CA 92024
    View profile for Root Financial(760) 452-0720

  21. #21 Guide My Finances

    Based in Carlsbad, 6 mi away

    69/100RFA Score

    Ranked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 35 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 35 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1265 Carlsbad Village Dr #201, Carlsbad, CA 92008
    View profile for Guide My Finances(760) 547-7585

  22. #22 Birchwood Capital

    Based in Carlsbad, 6 mi away

    69/100RFA Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 33 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial advisor”.

    • 5.0★ from 33 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2385 Camino Vida Roble #100, Carlsbad, CA 92011
    View profile for Birchwood Capital(760) 230-3893

Financial advisors ranked #26 to #50

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #50, in RFA Score order; each links to its profile. We publish the top 50 of 272 ranked financial advisors here; the rest are on their profiles.

financial advisors in Vista, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessRFA ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26First Command Financial Advisor - Nick Gilewitch, RICP®|CMFA™695.0★ (19)3 mi
27Brenton Stransky, CFP® - Independence Square Advisors685.0★ (20)5 mi
28First Command684.8★ (15)3 mi
29West & Walters Tax and Wealth Management685.0★ (20)6 mi
30PracticeCFO685.0★ (112)19 mi
31WWM Financial684.8★ (23)6 mi
32Andrew Marshall Financial, LLC685.0★ (18)6 mi
33Encompass Financial Services675.0★ (81)17 mi
34Sprint Funding, Inc.675.0★ (18)7 mi
35Creative Planning675.0★ (99)19 mi
36Trek Financial - Gavin Schmitt675.0★ (11)5 mi
37Russ Jacobs - Financial Advisor, Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC675.0★ (15)7 mi
38Pettit Financial Services674.2★ (10)In Vista
39Trade Genie Inc.674.6★ (70)11 mi
40First Command Financial Advisor - Troy Liddi675.0★ (7)3 mi
41IPX1031: Jordan Phillips675.0★ (13)6 mi
42Stone Steps Financial LLC674.9★ (30)11 mi
43Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Caroline Talebi675.0★ (11)6 mi
44The Options Lady675.0★ (56)17 mi
45Seawise Financial, Inc.675.0★ (29)12 mi
46Independent Wealth Solutions675.0★ (25)11 mi
47TaliMar Financial674.9★ (79)19 mi
48RED Seven Wealth Management675.0★ (21)11 mi
49Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Nicole J White, ChFC®|CEPA®675.0★ (3)In Vista
50Tj Stroben, Realtor Consultant First Team/CalRes Homes675.0★ (11)7 mi

Also serving Vista

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 Vista
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Advanced Financial SolutionsIn Vista
Aligned Advisors3.0★ (2)2 mi
Clarke Financial Services, Inc.5.0★ (2)4 mi
Edward JonesIn Vista
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Faith A Much5.0★ (1)In Vista
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Isaac A WhiteIn Vista
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Mark J Mertsoc, CFP®5.0★ (1)In Vista
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Ryan J Coleman, CEPA®|CRPC™|CKA®5.0★ (1)In Vista
Griffiths & Associates CPA's APC5.0★ (1)In Vista
GSG ConsultingIn Vista
Jeff Crane - ThriventIn Vista
Jeff Stephan | Profit Connect/Wealth ServicesIn Vista
Luis Alberto Reyes: Primerica - Financial Services5.0★ (1)In Vista
Millennium Financial ManagementIn Vista
Olga Mazhar: Primerica - Financial Services4.5★ (2)In Vista
Raymond James Financial ServicesIn Vista
Robert Briones - Thrivent4.5★ (2)In Vista
The North County Team: Thrivent Financial3.0★ (2)In Vista
VP GroupIn Vista
Wells Fargo Advisors3.0★ (2)In Vista

How we ranked Vista financial advisors

We scored 272 Vista 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 Vista 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 Vista: frequently asked questions

Which financial advisor has the highest RFA Score in Vista?

By RFA Score, the highest-ranked financial advisor in Vista, CA is iMerge Financial with an RFA Score of 73/100. It has 4.9★ from 574 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Insurance Experts Solutions (#2) and Accredited Debt Relief (#3) follow. We ranked 272 financial advisors on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many financial advisors are there in Vista?

RankedFinancialAdvisors ranks 272 financial advisors serving Vista, CA. 6 of them are based in Vista; 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 Vista work on weekends?

37 of 272 ranked financial advisors post Saturday hours and 12 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are iMerge Financial (#1), Insurance Experts Solutions (#2) and Accredited Debt Relief (#3). Many advisors meet by appointment, including evenings or by video, outside their posted office hours.

What Google rating do Vista financial advisors have?

The median Google rating among 272 rated financial advisors in Vista is 5.0★, with a median of 10 reviews. Accredited Debt Relief has the most, 14,445 reviews, and ranks #3. 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 Vista count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the Vista 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 Vista 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 Vista 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 Vista

  1. November 2026: RFA Scores recalculated for 272 financial advisors serving Vista.
  2. November 2026: 1 duplicate listing merged.

More financial advisors and Vista pages