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Financial Planners in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA: 2026 rankings

338 financial planners ranked by RFA ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest RFA Score in Rancho Santa Margarita: American Pacific Financial Services Corp (APFSC), RFA Score 76/100; 4.7★ from 275 Google reviews.

  2. 2

    Most-reviewed: Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, 276 Google reviews at 4.8★, the most of 338 ranked; ranked #2.

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

338 Rancho Santa Margarita financial planners are ranked here by RFA Score, from eight published factors. 78 open Saturdays and 5 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.6★ across 338 rated firms.

Top 10 financial planners in Rancho Santa Margarita 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 planners in Rancho Santa Margarita at a glance
RankBusinessRFA ScoreGoogle ratingBased inNotable for
1American Pacific Financial Services Corp (APFSC)764.7★ (275)Rancho Santa MargaritaTop score
2Mutual of Omaha Mortgage754.8★ (276)Irvine, 9 mi awayMost reviews
3PACIFIC CAPITAL735.0★ (216)Corona, 15 mi away—
4Heritage Financial Services735.0★ (112)Laguna Niguel, 7 mi away—
5BML Wealth Management735.0★ (154)Irvine, 14 mi away—
6Bankers Life725.0★ (141)Irvine, 15 mi away—
7Tax Law Advocates714.7★ (164)Irvine, 14 mi away—
8Modern Wealth Law704.9★ (114)Irvine, 14 mi away—
9Secured Income Group704.9★ (112)Tustin, 15 mi away—
10Little Saigon Living Trust705.0★ (148)Westminster, 22 mi away—

All 338 financial planners in Rancho Santa Margarita, 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.

  3. #3 PACIFIC CAPITAL

    Based in Corona, 15 mi away

    73/100RFA Score

    Ranked #3 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 216 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 216 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–3 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1861 California Ave Ste 101, Corona, CA 92881
    View profile for PACIFIC CAPITAL(844) 777-8777

  5. #5 BML Wealth Management

    Based in Irvine, 14 mi away

    73/100RFA Score

    Ranked #5 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 154 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 154 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2 Park Plaza #800, Irvine, CA 92614
    View profile for BML Wealth Management(949) 682-9105

  6. #6 Bankers Life

    Based in Irvine, 15 mi away

    72/100RFA Score

    Ranked #6 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 141 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 141 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    18022 Cowan Ste 265, Irvine, CA 92614
    View profile for Bankers Life(949) 608-6707

  7. #7 Tax Law Advocates

    Based in Irvine, 14 mi away

    71/100RFA Score

    Ranked #7 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.7★ from 164 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 4.7★ from 164 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 7 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    4 Park Plaza #300, Irvine, CA 92614
    View profile for Tax Law Advocates(855) 612-7777

  8. #8 Modern Wealth Law

    Based in Irvine, 14 mi away

    70/100RFA Score

    Ranked #8 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.9★ from 114 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 4.9★ from 114 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2600 Michelson Dr Ste 950, Irvine, CA 92612
    View profile for Modern Wealth Law(949) 371-5003

  9. #9 Secured Income Group

    Based in Tustin, 15 mi away

    70/100RFA Score

    Ranked #9 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.9★ from 112 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 4.9★ from 112 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    17592 17th St #100, Tustin, CA 92780
    View profile for Secured Income Group(714) 586-7820

  12. #12 Falcon Wealth Planning

    Based in Irvine, 15 mi away

    70/100RFA Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 90 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 90 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2030 Main St 13th floor, Irvine, CA 92614
    View profile for Falcon Wealth Planning(855) 963-2526

  16. #16 Abundant Wealth Management, Inc. - ALLEN MONTEMAGNO Jr. - LPL Financial Advisor

    Based in Murrieta, 24 mi away

    69/100RFA Score

    Ranked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 120 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 120 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 7 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    25096 Jefferson Ave Ste C-1, Murrieta, CA 92562
    View profile for Abundant Wealth Management, Inc. - ALLEN MONTEMAGNO Jr. - LPL Financial Advisor(951) 760-8150

  25. #25 John Stokes Financial

    Based in Irvine, 15 mi away

    66/100RFA Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 43 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 43 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2040 Main St Ste 570, Irvine, CA 92614
    View profile for John Stokes Financial(949) 477-1245

Financial planners 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 338 ranked financial planners here; the rest are on their profiles.

financial planners in Rancho Santa Margarita, ranks 26 to 50
RankBusinessRFA ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Warren Street Wealth Advisors, LLC665.0★ (29)8 mi
27Orange County’s Credit Union - Fullerton664.4★ (144)24 mi
28First Command665.0★ (52)20 mi
29Lighthouse Financial Services Inc665.0★ (64)24 mi
30M&M Wealth Associates665.0★ (48)19 mi
31Onitus Capital664.9★ (42)16 mi
32Galici Financial665.0★ (29)10 mi
33Paramount Tax & Accounting - Eastvale654.9★ (55)21 mi
34Orange County’s Credit Union - St. Andrew654.0★ (100)15 mi
35Williams Financial Advisors655.0★ (23)9 mi
36Serenity Financial Services654.5★ (31)9 mi
37Selah Portfolios & Planning655.0★ (36)18 mi
38OC Wealth Coach645.0★ (29)15 mi
39Orange County’s Credit Union - Huntington Beach644.2★ (91)20 mi
40United States Financial Services645.0★ (18)7 mi
41Pure Financial Advisors, LLC644.8★ (33)15 mi
42Bank of America (with Drive-thru ATM)643.9★ (82)13 mi
43Pure Financial Advisors, LLC645.0★ (45)24 mi
44Corey Fast - Edelman Financial Engines644.9★ (39)20 mi
45Retirement Planning Newport Beach | Miramontes Capital644.9★ (29)15 mi
46Melissa Levin Insurance Services645.0★ (26)14 mi
47Joshua E. Hernandez - CFEd Certified Financial Educator645.0★ (34)19 mi
48SLD SOLUTIONS INC.644.8★ (36)18 mi
49Essential Trust Financial Insurance Solutions645.0★ (26)15 mi
50Orange County’s Credit Union - Yorba Linda644.3★ (74)21 mi

Also serving Rancho Santa Margarita

20 more financial planners 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 planners serving Rancho Santa Margarita
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Annette Di Bello, CPA, CFP Inc. - Di Bello Financial3.0★ (2)6 mi
CFOCrewIn Rancho Santa Margarita
Diversified Investment StrategiesIn Rancho Santa Margarita
ECS Payments5.0★ (118)In Rancho Santa Margarita
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Jeff Albert, CEPA®, CRPS™5.0★ (13)In Rancho Santa Margarita
Enumerate Financial Services3.0★ (2)6 mi
JLS F.I.R.M.,INC.In Rancho Santa Margarita
Precision Wealth5.0★ (2)7 mi
Prudent Investors3.0★ (2)5 mi
RJ Gustilo Financial ServicesIn Rancho Santa Margarita
Sterling Financial Advisors5.0★ (2)5 mi
STRADA Capital Corporation4.5★ (47)In Rancho Santa Margarita
Strivent Financial5.0★ (2)6 mi
Tasia GarciaIn Rancho Santa Margarita
TK Beacon Life5.0★ (3)In Rancho Santa Margarita
Towneley Capital Management, Inc.5.0★ (2)7 mi
Trajan WealthIn Rancho Santa Margarita
Wells Fargo AdvisorsIn Rancho Santa Margarita
Wells Fargo AdvisorsIn Rancho Santa Margarita
William "Bill" Pyott, Financial Advisor - Eagle StrategiesIn Rancho Santa Margarita

How we ranked Rancho Santa Margarita financial planners

We scored 338 Rancho Santa Margarita financial planners 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 planner

  1. Confirm the financial planner 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 planner

  • 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 planner?
  • 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 planners in Rancho Santa Margarita: frequently asked questions

Which financial planner has the highest RFA Score in Rancho Santa Margarita?

By RFA Score, the highest-ranked financial planner in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA is American Pacific Financial Services Corp (APFSC) with an RFA Score of 76/100. It has 4.7★ from 275 Google reviews. Mutual of Omaha Mortgage (#2) and PACIFIC CAPITAL (#3) follow. We ranked 338 financial planners on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many financial planners are there in Rancho Santa Margarita?

RankedFinancialAdvisors ranks 338 financial planners serving Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. 1 of them is based in Rancho Santa Margarita; 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 planners in Rancho Santa Margarita work on weekends?

78 of 338 ranked financial planners post Saturday hours and 5 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Orange County’s Credit Union - Anaheim (#17), Business Plans USA | Business Plan Writing Services (#18) and Orange County’s Credit Union - Downtown Santa Ana (#22). Many advisors meet by appointment, including evenings or by video, outside their posted office hours.

What Google rating do Rancho Santa Margarita financial planners have?

The median Google rating among 338 rated financial planners in Rancho Santa Margarita is 4.6★, with a median of 16 reviews. Mutual of Omaha Mortgage has the most, 276 reviews, and ranks #2. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedFinancialAdvisors rank financial planners?

Each financial planner 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 planners outside Rancho Santa Margarita count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the Rancho Santa Margarita city center, our service radius for financial planners. 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 planners 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 planner do?

Financial planners build a written plan across a client’s goals: cash flow, savings, investments, insurance needs, taxes, retirement and estate. Many charge a flat or hourly fee for the plan, an ongoing retainer, or a share of the assets they manage.

How are financial planners in Rancho Santa Margarita ranked?

By RFA Score: public signals such as the Google rating and review count, how clearly the firm offers financial planning 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 planner’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 planner in Rancho Santa Margarita 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 planners 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 Rancho Santa Margarita

  1. November 2026: RFA Scores recalculated for 338 financial planners serving Rancho Santa Margarita.
  2. November 2026: 4 duplicate listings merged.

More financial planners and Rancho Santa Margarita pages