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Wealth Managers in Durham, NC: 2026 rankings

38 wealth managers ranked by RFA ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest RFA Score in Durham: Cardinal Hill Wealth Management, RFA Score 70/100; 5.0★ from 76 Google reviews.

  2. 2

    Most-reviewed: Steward Wealth Strategies - Raleigh Office, 79 Google reviews at 4.9★, the most of 38 ranked; ranked #2.

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

38 Durham wealth managers are ranked here by RFA Score, from eight published factors. 1 open Saturdays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 5.0★ across 38 rated firms.

Top 10 wealth managers in Durham 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 wealth managers in Durham at a glance
RankBusinessRFA ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursNotable for
1Cardinal Hill Wealth Management705.0★ (76)Cary, 17 mi away—Top score
2Steward Wealth Strategies - Raleigh Office704.9★ (79)Raleigh, 19 mi away—Most reviews
3SmithSandlin Wealth Planning Powered By LPL Financial705.0★ (58)Raleigh, 17 mi away——
4Raleigh Wealth Solutions695.0★ (56)Cary, 18 mi away——
5Peace Of Mind Wealth Management695.0★ (51)Raleigh, 17 mi away——
6Hilltop Wealth Advisors695.0★ (29)Chapel Hill, 7 mi away——
7Jay's Money Secrets LLC - Jay Joseph CRPC™ Financial Wealth Advisor685.0★ (13)DurhamSat · Evenings—
8Fisher Wealth Management675.0★ (55)Burlington, 34 mi away——
9Hicks & Associates Wealth Management675.0★ (24)Cary, 17 mi away——
10Concord Private Wealth of Sullivan & Associates Wealth Management675.0★ (22)Raleigh, 16 mi away——

All 38 wealth managers in Durham, 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 Durham

    #1 Cardinal Hill Wealth Management

    Based in Cary, 17 mi away

    70/100RFA Score

    Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 76 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 76 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1143 Executive Cir STE B, Cary, NC 27511
    View profile for Cardinal Hill Wealth Management

  4. #4 Raleigh Wealth Solutions

    Based in Cary, 18 mi away

    69/100RFA Score

    Ranked #4 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 56 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 56 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5:30 PM · Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    117 Edinburgh S Dr #110, Cary, NC 27511
    View profile for Raleigh Wealth Solutions(919) 852-1215

  6. #6 Hilltop Wealth Advisors

    Based in Chapel Hill, 7 mi away

    69/100RFA Score

    Ranked #6 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 29 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 29 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    6340 Quadrangle Dr #100, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
    View profile for Hilltop Wealth Advisors(919) 401-1500

  13. #13 Lily Wealth Partners

    Based in Durham

    66/100RFA Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.6★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 4.6★ from 9 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 9 AM–4:30 PM · Tue 9 AM–5 PM · Wed–Fri 9 AM–4:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1738 Hillandale Rd Ste 102-E, Durham, NC 27705
    View profile for Lily Wealth Partners(984) 888-5555

  14. #14 Vesta Wealth Advisors

    Based in Raleigh, 16 mi away

    65/100RFA Score

    Ranked #14 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.8★ from 17 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 4.8★ from 17 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    3221 Blue Ridge Rd Ste 105, Raleigh, NC 27612
    View profile for Vesta Wealth Advisors(919) 205-8473

  15. #15 Lily Wealth Partners

    Based in Raleigh, 19 mi away

    64/100RFA Score

    Ranked #15 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 13 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 13 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    3356 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609
    View profile for Lily Wealth Partners(984) 888-5555

  18. #18 Iarann Wealth

    Based in Durham

    64/100RFA Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial advisor”.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu 9:30 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    3604 Shannon Rd Ste 105, Durham, NC 27707
    View profile for Iarann Wealth(919) 638-7973

  20. #20 Turnpoint Wealth

    Based in Raleigh, 18 mi away

    64/100RFA Score

    Ranked #20 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    4208 Six Forks Rd Ste 1000, Raleigh, NC 27609
    View profile for Turnpoint Wealth(919) 342-7855

  22. #22 Trajan Wealth

    Based in Raleigh, 15 mi away

    62/100RFA Score

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

    • 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    8601 Six Forks Rd Unit 400, Raleigh, NC 27615
    View profile for Trajan Wealth(919) 200-4000

  24. #24 Trajan Wealth

    Based in Cary, 13 mi away

    62/100RFA Score

    Ranked #24 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–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    5000 Centregreen Way Ste 500, Cary, NC 27513
    View profile for Trajan Wealth(919) 200-4000

  25. #25 RHA Wealth

    Based in Raleigh, 17 mi away

    62/100RFA Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Financial planner”.

    • 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–4:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2710 Wycliff Rd Ste 140, Raleigh, NC 27607
    View profile for RHA Wealth(919) 400-6000

All 38 wealth managers

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #38, in RFA Score order; each links to its profile.

wealth managers in Durham, ranks 26 to 38
RankBusinessRFA ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Absher Wealth Management, LLC625.0★ (3)9 mi
27Pursuit Wealth Strategies625.0★ (4)14 mi
28Merrill Lynch Wealth Management613.3★ (10)18 mi
29Morrison Wealth Advisors LLC615.0★ (5)21 mi
30Merrill Lynch Wealth Management613.7★ (3)9 mi
31LPL Financial and Acera Wealth Management - Michael Delia, AAMS , CFP615.0★ (3)16 mi
32Lucid Wealth Planning LLC615.0★ (4)21 mi
33Baird Private Wealth Management615.0★ (3)17 mi
34Envision Wealth Partners615.0★ (6)28 mi
35Truist Wealth603.7★ (3)17 mi
36Acera Wealth Management605.0★ (3)23 mi
37Vision Quest Wealth Management592.3★ (4)21 mi
38Milestone Wealth Management585.0★ (3)33 mi

Also serving Durham

20 more wealth managers within 40 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked wealth managers serving Durham
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Allworth Financial5.0★ (19)In Durham
Collins Financial Advisors5.0★ (1)In Durham
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Alex G Nelson, CFP®|CKA®5.0★ (12)In Durham
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Allen B Parker, CFP®|CPWA®|CIMA®|CEPA®5.0★ (4)In Durham
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Andrew L Metz, CFP®5.0★ (4)In Durham
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Bryan L Piccirillo, CFP®|CEPA®|AAMS®5.0★ (27)In Durham
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Craige Summers, CFP®|ChFC®|CLU®5.0★ (1)In Durham
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Mary-Charles Nassif, CFP®|ChFC®|CEPA®5.0★ (2)In Durham
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Tamra K Ellis5.0★ (2)In Durham
Fryar Financial LLC5.0★ (4)In Durham
Gordon Asset Management, LLC5.0★ (2)In Durham
Personal Path Financial Planning5.0★ (1)In Durham
Quad Financial Management5.0★ (4)In Durham
Reliance Financial Group, Inc1.0★ (2)In Durham
Triangle Financial Strategies4.7★ (10)In Durham
Triangle Wealth Advisors3.0★ (2)In Durham
Truist2.7★ (36)In Durham
Valley Peak Financial, LLC5.0★ (5)In Durham
Verity Asset Management5.0★ (1)In Durham
Wells Fargo Advisors5.0★ (2)In Durham

How we ranked Durham wealth managers

We scored 38 Durham wealth managers 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 Durham 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 wealth manager

  1. Confirm the wealth manager 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 wealth manager

  • 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 wealth manager?
  • 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.

Wealth managers in Durham: frequently asked questions

Which wealth manager has the highest RFA Score in Durham?

By RFA Score, the highest-ranked wealth manager in Durham, NC is Cardinal Hill Wealth Management with an RFA Score of 70/100. It has 5.0★ from 76 Google reviews. Steward Wealth Strategies - Raleigh Office (#2) and SmithSandlin Wealth Planning Powered By LPL Financial (#3) follow. We ranked 38 wealth managers on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many wealth managers are there in Durham?

RankedFinancialAdvisors ranks 38 wealth managers serving Durham, NC. 4 of them are based in Durham; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 40 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.

Which wealth managers in Durham work on weekends?

1 of 38 ranked wealth managers post Saturday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays is Jay's Money Secrets LLC - Jay Joseph CRPC™ Financial Wealth Advisor (#7). Many advisors meet by appointment, including evenings or by video, outside their posted office hours.

What Google rating do Durham wealth managers have?

The median Google rating among 38 rated wealth managers in Durham is 5.0★, with a median of 10 reviews. Steward Wealth Strategies - Raleigh Office has the most, 79 reviews, and ranks #2. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedFinancialAdvisors rank wealth managers?

Each wealth manager 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 wealth managers outside Durham count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 40 mi of the Durham city center, our service radius for wealth managers. 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 wealth managers 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 wealth manager do?

Wealth managers combine investment management with planning, tax and estate coordination, usually for households with larger portfolios. Most charge a yearly percentage of the assets they manage and many set an account minimum.

How are wealth managers in Durham ranked?

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

How do I check a wealth manager’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 wealth manager in Durham 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 wealth managers 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 Durham

  1. November 2026: RFA Scores recalculated for 38 wealth managers serving Durham.

More wealth managers and Durham pages