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Investment Advisors in Lancaster, NY: 2026 rankings

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

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest RFA Score in Lancaster: The Financial Guys, RFA Score 66/100; 4.8★ from 233 Google reviews.

  2. 2

    Most-reviewed: Buffalo Financial, 149 Google reviews at 4.8★, the most of 35 ranked after The Financial Guys; ranked #2.

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

35 Lancaster investment advisors are ranked here by RFA Score, from eight published factors. 1 open Saturdays and 1 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.6★ across 35 rated firms.

Most of this list also appears on the Investment advisors in Buffalo ranking. See Investment advisors in Buffalo

Top 10 investment advisors in Lancaster 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 investment advisors in Lancaster at a glance
RankBusinessRFA ScoreGoogle ratingBased inNotable for
1The Financial Guys664.8★ (233)Amherst, 5 mi awayTop score
2Buffalo Financial664.8★ (149)Depew, 2 mi awayMost reviews
3Wells Fargo Advisors632.9★ (13)Amherst, 5 mi away—
4Sandhill Investment Management635.0★ (6)Buffalo, 10 mi away—
5SC Parker LLC635.0★ (3)Cheektowaga, 6 mi away—
6Meristem Financial Services Inc, Katie Miller, Sun Life Financial615.0★ (6)Fort Erie, 19 mi away—
7Note Advisors, LLC594.9★ (38)Buffalo, 11 mi away—
8Southtowns Financial Group585.0★ (20)Buffalo, 9 mi away—
9WNY Asset Management - Financial Planning & Wealth Management585.0★ (4)Amherst, 6 mi away—
10Mollot & Hardy, Inc. - Registered Investment Advisor575.0★ (7)Amherst, 11 mi away—

All 35 investment advisors in Lancaster, 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 Lancaster

    #1 The Financial Guys

    Based in Amherst, 5 mi away

    66/100RFA Score

    Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.8★ from 233 Google reviews, the most in Lancaster.

    • 4.8★ from 233 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    305 Spindrift Dr, Williamsville, NY 14221
    View profile for The Financial Guys(716) 633-1515

  5. #5 SC Parker LLC

    Based in Cheektowaga, 6 mi away

    63/100RFA Score

    Ranked #5 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Investment service”.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    5892 Main St, Williamsville, NY 14221
    View profile for SC Parker LLC(716) 632-6800

  7. #7 Note Advisors, LLC

    Based in Buffalo, 11 mi away

    59/100RFA Score

    Ranked #7 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.9★ from 38 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial advisor”.

    • 4.9★ from 38 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 9 AM–5 PM · Wed closed · Thu–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    50 Lakefront Blvd, Buffalo, NY 14202
    View profile for Note Advisors, LLC(716) 256-1682

  8. #8 Southtowns Financial Group

    Based in Buffalo, 9 mi away

    58/100RFA Score

    Ranked #8 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 20 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 20 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–5:30 PM · Fri 9 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    3438 Orchard Park Rd, Orchard Park, NY 14127
    View profile for Southtowns Financial Group(716) 662-0070

  12. #12 HD Financial Specialists

    Based in Amherst, 8 mi away

    56/100RFA Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.6★ from 14 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 4.6★ from 14 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    6049 Transit Rd Ste 103, East Amherst, NY 14051
    View profile for HD Financial Specialists(716) 608-8000

  13. #13 Winthrop Partners

    Based in Lackawanna, 10 mi away

    55/100RFA Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 11 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 11 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    21 Princeton Pl Ste 230, Orchard Park, NY 14127
    View profile for Winthrop Partners(716) 597-3007

  21. #21 Charles Schwab

    Based in Buffalo, 6 mi away

    53/100RFA Score

    Ranked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 2.7★ from 19 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial consultant”.

    • 2.7★ from 19 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    8118 Transit Rd, Buffalo, NY 14221
    View profile for Charles Schwab(716) 810-1190

  22. #22 Scotiabank

    Based in Fort Erie, 14 mi away

    53/100RFA Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.3★ from 32 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 3.3★ from 32 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 9:30 AM–4 PM · Wed closed · Thu–Fri 9:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1105 Thompson Rd Unit E3, Fort Erie, ON L2A 6T7
    View profile for Scotiabank(905) 871-5824

  25. #25 Co-operators

    Based in Fort Erie, 15 mi away

    52/100RFA Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.3★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 4.3★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1201 Garrison Rd #2, Fort Erie, ON L2A 1N8
    View profile for Co-operators(905) 871-7842

How we ranked Lancaster investment advisors

We scored 35 Lancaster investment 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 Lancaster 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 an investment advisor

  1. Confirm the investment 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 an investment 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 investment 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.

Investment advisors in Lancaster: frequently asked questions

Which investment advisor has the highest RFA Score in Lancaster?

By RFA Score, the highest-ranked investment advisor in Lancaster, NY is The Financial Guys with an RFA Score of 66/100. It has 4.8★ from 233 Google reviews. Buffalo Financial (#2) and Wells Fargo Advisors (#3) follow. We ranked 35 investment advisors on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

Which investment advisors in Lancaster work on weekends?

1 of 35 ranked investment advisors post Saturday hours and 1 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays is Harmony Capital LLC (#23). Many advisors meet by appointment, including evenings or by video, outside their posted office hours.

What Google rating do Lancaster investment advisors have?

The median Google rating among 35 rated investment advisors in Lancaster is 4.6★, with a median of 6 reviews. The Financial Guys has the most, 233 reviews, and ranks #1. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedFinancialAdvisors rank investment advisors?

Each investment 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 investment advisors outside Lancaster count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 25 mi of the Lancaster city center, our service radius for investment 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 investment 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 an investment advisor do?

Investment advisors manage portfolios and give advice about securities for a fee. In the US, firms register with the SEC or a state securities regulator and file a Form ADV brochure; in Canada, portfolio managers and dealers register with the provincial securities regulator.

How are investment advisors in Lancaster ranked?

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

How do I check an investment 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 investment advisor in Lancaster 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 investment 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 Lancaster

  1. November 2026: RFA Scores recalculated for 35 investment advisors serving Lancaster.

More investment advisors and Lancaster pages