Top financial advisors in South Carolina
The right financial advisor for you depends on how you weigh location, expertise, experience, the clients they typically serve, and how they work with you.
Choosing the right financial advisor in South Carolina means focusing on whether they handle the specific financial tasks you need, not just picking from a large list. A common mistake is hiring an advisor based on a quick recommendation and later finding out they don't work with your particular financial goals.
- Match on the actual work. Ask what the advisor typically handles day-to-day. Someone focused on retirement planning might not be the best fit if you need help with business succession or investment strategies.
- Fee model fit. Advisors may charge flat fees, hourly rates, or a percentage of assets managed. Understand how they get paid to see if it aligns with your preferences.
- In-person vs. remote. Decide if you want to meet face-to-face or are comfortable working virtually, especially if you value regular, personal contact.
- Continuity risk. If the advisor works solo, ask about their plan if they retire or leave. In a team, find out who else would manage your account if your main contact is unavailable.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Craig M
Series 63, Series 65
Columbia, SC
Capital Investment Advisory Services, LLC
Craig Mcdaniel Jr. is well-suited for clients in South Carolina seeking active portfolio management and retirement plans for business owners, supported by 13 years of experience and Series 63 and 65 licenses. His firm offers customized investment management with discretionary mandates and third-party managers, charging hourly fees capped at $250, which may appeal to those preferring transparent, independent advisory services in Columbia, SC.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $373,429
-
Kristin M
Series 66
Mt Pleasant, SC
Guardian Life
Kristin Manna specializes in business exit and sale strategies, making her a suitable choice for entrepreneurs in South Carolina seeking guidance on these financial matters. She operates within a large firm, Primerica Advisors, offering flat-fee and subscription-based financial planning options, which may appeal to clients preferring predictable costs. With a Series 66 designation and experience working with self-employed and founder clients, she brings a focused approach despite her relatively recent entry into the industry.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $230,599
-
James T
Series 66
Columbia, SC
Merrill
James Turner III specializes in wealth management, serving mid-career professionals and high earners in Columbia, South Carolina, with 16 years of experience. He operates within Merrill, a large firm, offering managed strategies with a 1.10% fee for accounts under $2 million. His approach combines personalized financial planning with resources from Merrill and Bank of America, distinguishing him through access to extensive institutional support and tailored solutions.
Experience: 16 years
Avg account: $860,085
-
Matthew S
Series 66
Myrtle Beach, SC
Thrivent Investment Management
Matthew Sandberg specializes in business ownership considerations, making him well-suited for clients in South Carolina seeking guidance on business-related financial planning. With 14 years of experience at Thrivent Investment Management, a large firm offering dedicated planning services and managed-account programs, he provides comprehensive, goal-based financial planning without discretionary trading authority, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms or with different service models.
Experience: 14 years
Avg account: $162,801
-
Jesse D
Series 63, Series 65
Columbia, SC
Primerica Advisors
Jesse Dare's expertise in ESG investing, tax-loss harvesting, and income planning suits clients seeking sustainable and tax-efficient strategies in South Carolina. Operating within Primerica Advisors, a large firm offering discretionary asset management through a tiered wrap fee structure, he combines four years of industry experience with a background in healthcare strategy and actuarial consulting, providing a unique perspective compared to other local advisors.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $228,117
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Specialized advisors
People also searched
Popular in South Carolina
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor's Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and referrals are provided by FinanceHQ LLC ("FHQ"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment adviser. We may be compensated by participating advisors. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral. We do not supervise advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to the Warmer Terms of Service and FHQ Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge Warmer's Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ's ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. ("Warmer")