Top Picks · San Mateo
Best Financial Advisors in San Mateo, CA
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As of June 2026, RatingsNearMe ranks 19 financial advisors in San Mateo, CA by the RNM Score — a 0–100 rating built from Google ratings, review volume, sentiment, and profile completeness. The top-ranked is Freedom Financial Network with a 4.7-star rating from 61 Google reviews and an RNM Score of 76/100. Also in the top tier: Sid Financial Services, LLC and MA Private Wealth, Financial Advisors. The average rating across all listed financial advisors in San Mateo is 4.7 stars from 10 reviews per business on average.
Financial advisors in San Mateo typically charge 0.5–1.5% of assets under management annually, or $200–$500/hr fee-only.
Rankings updated June 10, 2026 · RNM Score = ratings (35%), review volume (30%), sentiment (20%), completeness (10%), availability (5%) · Not paid placement.
San Mateo, California is home to a variety of financial advisor firms that offer investment management, retirement planning, and other personal finance services. Consumers in the area should research advisors' credentials, services, and fees when selecting a local financial advisor to work with.
- ✓Financial advisors in San Mateo provide investment management, retirement planning, and other personal finance services
- ✓Consumers should research advisors' credentials, services, and fees when selecting a local financial advisor
- ✓Top financial advisor firms in San Mateo include Freedom Financial Network, Payne Financial Consulting, and Fisher Investments
Best Overall
Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Cary Koh
Cary Koh is consistently top-ranked for personalized wealth management and client satisfaction in San Mateo.
Most Reviewed
Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Cary Koh
A high number of reviews indicates broad client experience and trust in the advisor's services.
When choosing a financial advisor in San Mateo, consider both the advisor's credentials and the number of client reviews to gauge reliability and service quality. Always verify that the advisor's expertise aligns with your specific financial goals.
How to Choose a Financial Advisor in San Mateo
What to look for
- • Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification
- • Experience working with clients in the San Mateo area
- • Fee-only or fee-based compensation structure (rather than commission-based)
- • Fiduciary duty to act in the client's best interest
Questions to ask
- • What is your educational and professional background?
- • How long have you been advising clients in the San Mateo area?
- • How are you compensated, and do you have any conflicts of interest?
Red flags
- ⚠ Overly aggressive sales tactics or pressure to make quick decisions
- ⚠ Lack of transparency around fees and compensation
- ⚠ Recommending investments or products that seem unsuitable for your financial goals
In California, financial advisors must be registered with the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation and hold the appropriate licenses, such as a Series 65 or 66 license. It's important to verify a financial advisor's credentials and licensing before engaging their services.
Local Market Snapshot
19
Businesses listed
4.7★
Avg rating
10
Avg reviews
Jun 10, 2026
Last updated
Top Rated Financial Advisors
Rated 4.7 stars from 61 Google reviews by local clients in San Mateo.
1875 S Grant St #400, San Mateo, CA 94402, USAExceptional 5.0-star rating from 33 reviews in San Mateo.
1710 S Amphlett Blvd #128, San Mateo, CA 94402, USAFinancial Advisors Rankings in San Mateo, CA
| # | Business | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Freedom Financial Network1875 S Grant St #400, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA | 4.7★ | 61 |
| #2 | Sid Financial Services, LLC1710 S Amphlett Blvd #128, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA | 5.0★ | 33 |
| #3 | MA Private Wealth, Financial Advisors1355 A San Carlos Ave, San Carlos, CA 94070, USA | 5.0★ | 11 |
| #4 | Merrill Lynch Wealth Management101 S Ellsworth Ave Suite 400, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA | 3.0★ | 2 |
| #5 | Ting & Associates at Merrill Lynch101 S Ellsworth Ave 4th floor, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA | 5.0★ | 2 |
| #6 | Brickley Wealth Management161 W 25th Ave Suite 204, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA | 4.4★ | 5 |
| #7 | Lincoln Financial Advisors1510 Fashion Island Blvd # 210, San Mateo, CA 94404, USA | 4.3★ | 3 |
| #8 | Maheras Wealth Management155 Bovet Rd, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA | 5.0★ | 1 |
| #9 | Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Cary Koh101 S Ellsworth Ave Suite 400, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA | 5.0★ | 2 |
| #10 | George Papadoyannis - Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.1900 O'Farrell St # 180, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA | 5.0★ | 2 |
Ranked by verified ratings & review volume · Data from Google Business listings · Updated June 2026
All Financial Advisors in San Mateo
101 S Ellsworth Ave Suite 400, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
101 S Ellsworth Ave 4th floor, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
161 W 25th Ave Suite 204, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA
1510 Fashion Island Blvd # 210, San Mateo, CA 94404, USA
101 S Ellsworth Ave Suite 400, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
1900 O'Farrell St # 180, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA
411 Borel Ave Suite 505, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA
1600 W Hillsdale Blvd Ste 102, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA
1900 S Norfolk St # 215, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA
Trusted by clients, this San Mateo financial advisor holds a solid 4.0 stars from 18 reviews.
1300 S El Camino Real UNIT 110, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA
1600 W Hillsdale Blvd Ste 102, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA
1510 Fashion Island Blvd #380, San Mateo, CA 94404, USA
1900 S Norfolk St #350, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA
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Financial Advisors in San Mateo, CA — Compared
| # | Business | RNM Score | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Freedom Financial Network | 76/100 | 4.7 ★ | 61 |
| 2 | Sid Financial Services, LLC | 77/100 | 5.0 ★ | 33 |
| 3 | MA Private Wealth, Financial Advisors | 72/100 | 5.0 ★ | 11 |
| 4 | Merrill Lynch Wealth Management | 30/100 | 3.0 ★ | 2 |
| 5 | Ting & Associates at Merrill Lynch | 64/100 | 5.0 ★ | 2 |
| 6 | Brickley Wealth Management | 58/100 | 4.4 ★ | 5 |
| 7 | Lincoln Financial Advisors | 54/100 | 4.3 ★ | 3 |
| 8 | Maheras Wealth Management | 62/100 | 5.0 ★ | 1 |
| 9 | Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor Cary Koh | 64/100 | 5.0 ★ | 2 |
| 10 | George Papadoyannis - Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. | 64/100 | 5.0 ★ | 2 |
Ranked by RatingsNearMe Score · ratings (35%), review volume (30%), sentiment (20%), completeness (10%), availability (5%) · June 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions — Financial Advisors in San Mateo
What is a fiduciary financial advisor and why does it matter in San Mateo?
A fiduciary is legally required to act in your interest at all times. Non-fiduciary advisors (like some broker-dealers) only need to recommend "suitable" products, which may earn them higher commissions. Before hiring any financial advisor in San Mateo, ask directly: "Are you a fiduciary 100% of the time?" If they hesitate, keep looking.
How do I verify a financial advisor is registered and legitimate?
Use FINRA BrokerCheck (finra.org/brokercheck) to verify licenses and check for complaints or disciplinary actions. For Registered Investment Advisors, search SEC's IAPD at adviserinfo.sec.gov. CFP credentials can be verified at cfp.net/verify. These are free public tools — always check before handing over your finances.
How do financial advisors charge for their services in San Mateo?
Three main structures: (1) Fee-only — flat fee, hourly ($200–$500/hr), or a percentage of assets under management (typically 0.5–1.5% annually) with no commissions; (2) Fee-based — advisory fee plus commissions on products they sell; (3) Commission-only — free to meet, they earn commissions on products. Fee-only is the most transparent and avoids conflicts of interest.
What credentials should I look for in a financial advisor?
CFP (Certified Financial Planner) is the gold standard for comprehensive financial planning. CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) is strongest for investment management. CPWA, ChFC, and RICP are recognized specializations. Avoid "advisor" titles without credentials — the term is unregulated. Verify any credential directly with the issuing organization.
How are the financial advisors on this page ranked?
Rankings use a transparent algorithm: star rating (35%), review volume (30%), customer sentiment (20%), profile completeness (10%), and availability (5%). Featured Partner listings have paid for enhanced visibility but must still earn their position through real customer reviews — sponsored listings are clearly labeled.
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How Rankings Work on This Page
Every financial advisors on RatingsNearMe is scored transparently: star rating (35%), review volume (30%), customer sentiment (20%), profile completeness (10%), and availability (5%). Businesses labeled exclusive or premium are Featured Partners — they have paid for enhanced visibility but must still rank through real customer reviews. We cap sponsored boosts so bad businesses can never buy the top spot.
Editorial notice: Ratings are based on publicly available data from Google Business listings. Consumers should independently verify licensing, insurance, and credentials before hiring any service provider. Last updated: June 10, 2026.
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