Finding the right financial advisor in Maryland can feel overwhelming. You want someone who genuinely understands your goals, listens to your concerns, and helps you make confident financial decisions. Whether you live in Silver Spring, Bethesda, or Baltimore, there’s no shortage of advisors, but how do you know which one is truly right for you?
This updated 2026 guide highlights eight of the best fee-only fiduciary financial advisors in Maryland who serve professionals and families with integrity and transparency. Inside, you’ll discover:
- How financial advisors in Maryland typically charge for their services
- How to identify a planner who genuinely acts in your best interest
- Which advisors specialize in 529 college plans, 401(k) rollovers, charitable giving, and TSP transitions
Whether you’re just starting to build wealth or preparing for retirement, this list will help you confidently choose a Maryland advisor who fits your goals, values, and budget.
At District Capital Management, we’re proud to be a fee-only fiduciary financial planning firm serving Maryland professionals in their 30s and 40s. Below, we share our research on the top Maryland financial advisors for 2026, how they charge, what to ask before hiring one, and what makes District Capital stand out.
How we selected the best financial advisors in Maryland
Our search began in December 2024, updated regularly through December 2025. We reviewed data from each firm’s SEC Form and ADV.
We focused exclusively on fee-only fiduciary financial planners—professionals legally required to act in your best interest.
We searched for fee-only financial advisors by looking at both the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) and XY Planning Network. This criterion effectively filters out “financial advisors” who are not fiduciaries, like insurance or annuity agents. All of the firms listed are bound by the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) fiduciary duty.
Next, we filtered the search further by only considering Maryland fee-only financial planners that have a CFP® designation. The CFP® designation is the most well-recognized financial planning designation and requires extensive training and experience.
The other four criteria we used to find the best financial advisors in Maryland were:
- They have a website.
- They have at least one blog post. This indicates to us that they value educating the public and giving back to the Maryland community.
- They serve professionals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. This is a sign that they are willing to make financial planning accessible to everyone, not just retirees or the ultra-rich.
- They have at least 2 years of experience as a financial planner. We added bonus points for fee-only Maryland financial planners who:
- Have another financial planner or associate as a team member. We believe that working in a team setting greatly enhances the collective knowledge and experience that a financial planning firm can give to a client.
- Have a CFA designation. Chartered Financial Analyst professionals have undergone intensive training specifically on investments.
- Have an AFC® or ChFC® designation. These two designations bring additional expertise. For example, an Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®) is trained on money management behaviors and the emotional aspects of money.
- Are BIPOC-aware. Meaning they have minority representation in their team or in their marketing materials, or they explicitly state they work with BIPOCs. BIPOC stands for black, indigenous, and people of color.
Unlike some national rankings, we do not rank by assets under management (AUM) — because a large AUM doesn’t necessarily mean better service or advice quality.
We closely examined about 25 fee-only financial advisory firms in the Maryland area. While our ranking system is designed to help you compare top financial planning firms in Maryland and narrow down your search, it does not indicate which financial planning firm may be best for you.
Top Financial Advisors in Maryland - 2026
| Advisory Firm | Year 1 Minimum | Year 1 Maximum | Fee-Only Structure |
| Crest Wealth Advisors | $3,400 | $10,200 | Fixed Fees AUM |
| Planning For Progress | $3,500 | $25,000 | Fixed Fees AUM Hourly |
| Northbrook Financial | $4,000 | $62,000 | Fixed Fees AUM |
| MainStreet Financial Planning | $4,310 | $5,415 | Fixed Fees Hourly |
| Katz-Moses Financial | $4,800 | $20,000 | Flat Fee AUM Hourly |
| District Capital Management | $6,000 | $14,400 | Fixed Fees AUM |
| Divergent Planning | $7,000 | $20,000 | Fixed Fees |
| Entelechy | $6,000 | $20,000 | Fixed Fees AUM Hourly |
All data verified via SEC Form ADV and firm websites as of October 2025.
Who are the top 8 fee-only Maryland financial advisors for 2026?
Here are the results of the top 8 Maryland financial advisors. This is not an exhaustive list of Maryland financial advisors and it reflects our personal opinion per our criteria above.
Financial planners all have different backgrounds, perspectives, and services that will suit different clients. You will be the best judge of who is the best financial advisor for you. Hopefully, our list can help you narrow down your list and point you in the right direction. Working with a fee-only financial planner you feel comfortable with and who you can work with to achieve your financial goals is important.
1) District Capital Management – Washington, D.C.
District Capital Management is a fee-only fiduciary firm serving professionals in their 30s and 40s across Maryland, D.C., and Virginia. Alvin Carlos, CFP®, CFA, is the managing partner of District Capital Management. He has been helping professionals take control of their finances since 2011.
2) Crest Wealth Advisors – Annapolis, MD
Founded by Jason Dall’Acqua, CFP®. Focused on aligning financial decisions with life goals; serves mid-to-late-career professionals.
3) Planning For Progress – Silver Spring, MD
Run by Ethan Miller, CFP®, serving progressive professionals and public servants with holistic, values-based planning.
4) Northbrook Financial – Baltimore, MD
Known for tax-savvy strategies and strong educational outreach. Ideal for families in peak earning years.
5) MainStreet Financial Planning – Odenton, MD
Project-based planning, no account minimums. Works with clients nationwide.
6) Katz-Moses Financial – Washington, D.C.
Andrew Katz-Moses, CFP®, focuses on educators and government employees across the DMV.
7) Divergent Planning- North Bethesda, MD
Founded by Ara Abrahamian, CRPC®, and Matt Brock, CFP®, this team blends transparency with long-term strategy.
8) Entelechy – Bethesda, MD
Ben Brown, CFP®, EA, integrates financial planning, tax prep, and investment management for a flat annual fee.
How is District Capital different from other financial advisors in Maryland?
Like the other best financial advisors in MD on our list, District Capital is also a fiduciary and has CFP®, AFC®, and ChFC® professionals on its team. Our primary focus is serving professionals and entrepreneurs in their 30s and 40s. We have been in business since 2013, and we have worked with many clients in Maryland.
The three traits that make District Capital unique are:
1) Strong investment team. We have 2 CFA charterholders on our team, each with a background in managing multi-billion-dollar institutional funds. Our clients receive top-notch investment advice.
2) Modern Plan. We deliver our comprehensive 30+ detailed recommendations via a modern, easy-to-use platform available anytime.
3) 30s & 40s Niche. We’ve worked with over 300 professionals in their 30s & 40s across the tech, government, non-profit, and small-business-owner worlds. We’ve encountered almost every personal finance issue that they have faced.
Our pricing is competitive. We’re not the cheapest – we’re not willing to discount the value we provide. We’re not the most expensive – we have found an efficient and highly effective way of creating and delivering plans with the help of modern tech platforms and collective knowledge. Our mission is to provide affordable, best-in-class financial advice to professionals in their 30s and 40s.
Top ways advisors charge in Maryland
Maryland fee-only financial advisors typically charge in one of three ways:| Model | Description | Typical Range (Maryland 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Flat / Fixed Fee | Set monthly, quarterly, or annual price — great for transparency. | $3,000–$15,000 / year |
| Assets Under Management (AUM) | ~1% of assets managed. Declines with higher balances. | 0.75–1.0% AUM average |
| Hourly / Project-Based | Ideal for short-term help or second opinions. | $200–$400 / hour |
How much does a financial planner in Maryland charge?
The average fee-only financial advisor in Maryland charges between $3,400 and $62,000 annually, depending on complexity and experience.
The median range: $4,500–$20,000 per year, typically billed quarterly or monthly.
The financial planning industry is highly fragmented, so we expect to see wide fee variation. It’s important to discuss the fees and services provided by a financial advisor before hiring them to ensure that they are a good fit for your needs and budget.
To save you time and energy, here is the fee schedule of the 8 best financial planners in Maryland, according to our list, including how District Capital stacks up. We also included the 10 factors we used to develop the list.
How does our Maryland financial advisor ranking differ from others?
Other rankings emphasize assets under management. We do not. We focus on fiduciary quality, transparency, and inclusivity—factors that directly impact the client experience.
SmartAsset produces a top financial advisor in Maryland list. This list greatly emphasizes the amount of assets under the firm’s management (AUM). We do not believe that a firm’s AUM is a good indicator of the quality of a financial advisor. Their list also only selects advisors that are registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This leaves out scores of other Maryland-based registered investment advisors that are registered not with the SEC but with Maryland.
MagnifyMoney.com has a list of the top 8 best financial advisors in Maryland. This list also places a large emphasis on the amount of assets under the firm’s management (AUM). We also noticed a lack of diversity among the financial advisors.
Lastly, Investor.com has a list of the Top 100 Financial Advisor Firms in Maryland for 2025. This list is not very detailed and only includes financial advisory firms with a physical location in Maryland. Even though it’s important to have extensive knowledge of the state where you work, many financial advisors now work remotely. It also includes non-fiduciary financial advisers (those who do not have to act in the client’s best interest).
Is it worth paying for a financial advisor in MD?
A study published in the Journal of Financial Planning showed that those who had a comprehensive financial plan built significantly more wealth than those with no plan. One other study showed that advisors can potentially add about 3% in net returns each year, on average. Financial planning advice can be very valuable.
Financial advisors can help you make informed decisions about your investments, manage your money, and plan for the future. Additionally, they can provide insight into complex financial topics which will help save you time and money.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all financial advisors are the same. Some financial advisors may charge high fees, or have conflicts of interest. Our top Maryland financial advisors list is a great starting point. As fee-only fiduciary financial advisors, they should have your best interests at heart. However, make sure that you do your own research and choose a financial advisor who is right for you.
Can you see a financial advisor for free in MD?
Sometimes, yes. We offer pro-bono financial planning for DC, MD, & VA individuals who earn less than $70,000 per year and have less than $70,000 in total assets.
Finding a local financial advisor in Maryland
Here are some steps to follow when you want to find a good local financial advisor in Maryland.
1. Determine your financial needs: The first step is to identify your financial goals and the type of advice you need. Consider if you need help with retirement planning, tax planning, investment advice, general financial planning, or a combination of everything.
2. Search for financial advisors: Here are some organizations that we recommend to help you find a fee-only fiduciary financial planner in Maryland.
- National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA): a non-profit association of fee-only financial planners.
- XY Planning Network: a newer organization of fee-only financial advisors who generally work with Generation X and Generation Y clients.
- CFP Board: is the entity that administers the CFP® designation. However, not all CFP® professionals are fee-only financial advisors, so make sure to ask.
- Fee-Only Network: all of the financial advisors listed here are fee-only and are fiduciaries, meaning that they act in your best interest.
3. Check credentials: Once you have a list of potential financial advisors, make sure that you check their credentials. You want to make sure that they have a CFP (Certified Financial Planner) certification. Also, check that the financial advisor is registered with the state or Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
4. Conduct interviews: Once you have chosen a couple of potential financial advisors in Maryland, you can schedule consultations to get to know them better. Ask if they have worked with anyone in a similar position to yourself, their credentials, their investment philosophy, fees, and any other questions that you may have. We have also compiled a list of 10 important questions to ask a financial advisor, which you may find helpful.
5. Make a decision: After the interviews, you can evaluate each financial advisor and then choose one that you think can help you achieve your financial goals, as well as someone that you feel comfortable working with.
6. Review and monitor: After hiring a financial advisor, it’s important to regularly review and monitor your financial plan. It is a living, breathing document. It should be adjusted based on your financial goals, market conditions, and any life changes.
Finding the right financial planner takes time.
What are the most important questions to ask a financial planner in Maryland?
Once you have found two or three financial advisors that resonate with you, set up a discovery call with them. A discovery call is usually free. During this call, you may want to ask various questions, including the following:
1) Are you a fiduciary? Look for a fiduciary financial planner, as he or she will have a fiduciary duty to act in your best interest.
2) How do you get paid? Look for financial planners with transparent pricing and no commissions.
3) What are your credentials & experience with my demographic? Look for financial planners with either a CFP®, AFC®, or ChFC® designation
4) Is it a good fit? Ask about their typical client demographic and whether they have worked with someone like you. See if the financial planner asks you relevant questions and shows a genuine interest in getting to know you, your concerns, and your goals. Make sure you feel comfortable working with this person, as you will be sharing personal information with them.
We also put together a guide to help you understand the 10 key questions to ask prospective financial advisors so that you know that they have your best interests at heart. We hope that you find these questions helpful.
We also work with clients in many regions of Maryland including:
Work with District Capital for your personal financial planning needs in Maryland
Are you ready to work towards your financial goals in 2026? District Capital is one of the fastest-growing fee-only financial planning firms in Maryland. We’re different from other Maryland financial advisors due to our strong investment team, modern comprehensive financial planning platform, and our 30s and 40s niche. Schedule a free discovery call with one of our fee-only financial planners.
Key Takeaways
- Choose a fee-only fiduciary who acts in your best interest
- Verify CFP®, CFA®, or ChFC® credentials
- Understand how your advisor charges before hiring
- Consider specialists for 529s, TSPs, and charitable strategies
- District Capital offers holistic, values-based financial planning for Maryland professionals
Frequently Asked Questions
Does District Capital Help Maryland Residents With RSU Planning?
Yes. District Capital regularly works with Maryland and DC-area professionals who receive restricted stock units (RSUs) as part of their compensation. Our fiduciary financial advisors can help you:- Understand how tax withholding works at vesting
- Decide whether to sell or hold shares based on your goals and risk tolerance
- Integrate RSUs into your broader retirement and investment strategy
With extensive experience advising clients in technology, biotech, government contracting, and other regional industries, District Capital helps ensure your equity compensation fits seamlessly into your overall financial plan.
How would a Maryland fee-only advisor structure cash flow for daycare and 529 plans?
A Maryland fiduciary advisor can create a plan that balances high childcare costs with college savings. We prioritize essentials, automate smaller 529 contributions during expensive years, and increase savings as daycare costs drop — helping families stay flexible while funding future goals.
Does District Capital offer holistic risk management?
Yes — our risk management approach goes beyond investing.
We diversify portfolios, build emergency funds, stress-test your plan, and incorporate insurance strategies to help Maryland families protect their income and future stability.
Can I work virtually with a Maryland-based fiduciary advisor if I live between Annapolis and DC?
Yes — we work virtually with clients across Maryland and the DC metro area.
Does District Capital offer budgeting and cash-flow forecasting?
Yes — we help Maryland professionals with variable income stay financially stable year-round. Our advisors design flexible budgets that smooth income fluctuations, adjust savings dynamically, and create short- and long-term savings buckets.
Can a Maryland financial advisor help split a raise between retirement and a down payment?
Yes — we model scenarios so you can allocate your raise confidently. We compare pre-tax and Roth strategies, automate down-payment savings, and ensure tax-efficient investing for balanced progress toward both goals.
Can District Capital build fossil-fuel-free portfolios that remain tax-efficient?
Yes — we create sustainable, ESG-aligned portfolios for Maryland investors. We may use screened funds or direct indexing combined with tax-loss harvesting and smart asset placement to align your values with financial performance.
How can a Maryland fiduciary advisor help with stock compensation and 529 college savings?
We integrate your equity compensation and education planning for maximum impact. We diversify company stock, direct proceeds toward 529 plans, and use tax-smart strategies to fund college and retirement together.
Who are the top Maryland advisors for charitable giving planning?
District Capital helps clients design charitable giving strategies that are both meaningful and tax-efficient. We guide you on donor-advised funds, appreciated-stock donations, and QCDs so your philanthropy aligns with your values and financial goals.
Which Maryland advisors can help consolidate multiple 401(k)s?
Fee-only fiduciary advisors like District Capital can simplify and consolidate old 401(k) accounts. We compare fees and options, manage rollovers, and create a unified investment plan that reduces costs and streamlines your retirement tracking.
Who are the best Maryland advisors for TSP rollovers?
District Capital frequently assists federal employees and contractors with Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) rollovers. We compare TSP vs. IRA options, coordinate Roth and traditional balances, and ensure your rollover fits into your larger retirement strategy.
Alvin Carlos, CFP®, CFA is a fee-only financial planner, in Washington, D.C. He has a Master’s degree in International Relations from SAIS-Johns Hopkins. Alvin is the founder of District Capital, a financial planning firm designed to help professionals in their 30s and 40s maximize their money and retire by 55, through holistic financial planning and research-driven investing. Schedule a free discovery call today.
