Our Mission
Top Fee Only Retirement Planners researches, ranks, and reviews fee-only retirement planners so readers can compare firms without sales commissions in the mix. The site screens for fee-only compensation and retirement-focused services, then scores firms using published fees, minimums, credentials, regulatory history, scope of planning (Social Security timing, Roth conversions, tax strategy, withdrawal plans), and client experience signals. Each profile spells out what the firm charges (for example, flat annual fees vs AUM percentages), who they typically serve, and where the fit may break down (high minimums, limited tax work, narrow state coverage, or long waitlists). Rankings are updated quarterly to reflect fee changes, staffing shifts, mergers, and new disclosures. The value is time saved: instead of reading dozens of ADV PDFs and marketing pages, readers get a side-by-side view of costs, constraints, and services in one place. Trade-offs are clear because no planner is ideal for every retiree; some are best for complex tax work, others for low-cost portfolio management, and others for ongoing coaching. The methodology and data sources are published so readers can check how scores were built and weigh factors differently. Readers can browse the current rankings and drill into full reviews to decide which planners to contact.
Unbiased
We maintain strict editorial independence. No provider can pay to influence their ranking.
Tested
Every provider is mystery shopped to verify their customer service claims.
Verified
We check licenses, insurance, and legal standing so you don't have to.
The Ranking Factors
Verified Reviews
Credentials Check
Mystery Shopping
Pricing Transparency
Eligibility Criteria
Local Reach
National or international client base
Experience
A minimum of five years experience in retirement planning
Impact
A minimum of 100 successful retirement plans in the previous three years