I am looking for a financial advisor who acts as a fiduciary and does not receive commissions on products.

• DNA Wealth Management LLC - 427 Sharpsburg Loop, Pensacola, FL 32503, United States
• Approach Retirement Advisors - 3 W Garden St, Ste 710, Pensacola, FL 32502
• Waverly Advisors, LLC - 151 W Main St Suite 104, Pensacola, FL 32502, United States
• Saltmarsh Financial Advisors, LLC - 900 N 12th Ave, Pensacola, FL 32501, United States
• Kingsman Wealth Management - 320 W Government St, Pensacola, FL 32502, United States
• Safe Harbor Fiduciary - 700 S Palafox St #300, Pensacola, FL 32502, United States
• Warren Averett Asset Management - 350 W Cedar St, Ste 401, Pensacola, FL 32502
• FamilyVest at Farther — Todd Sensing, CFP®, CFA® - 4300 Legendary Dr Unit 226, Destin, FL 32541, United States
• Capital Management Advisors - 3 W Garden St, Ste 343, Pensacola, FL 32502
• Kingsman Wealth Management - 41 N Jefferson St, Pensacola, FL 32502
• Stein Financial - 151 Regions Way #6b, Destin, FL 32541, United States
• Brown Financial Advisory - Fairhope, AL - 54 S Greeno Rd, Fairhope, AL 36532, United States
• Approach Retirement Advisors, LLC (Navarre) - 7552 Navarre Pkwy UNIT 25, Navarre, FL 32566, United States
• Money Professionals - 625 E Romana St, Pensacola, FL 32502
• Livingston Financial Planning - 2050 County Rd 30A M-1 Unit 230, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States
• Brown Financial Advisory - Mobile, AL - 3510 Montlimar Plaza Dr Ste 200, Mobile, AL 36609, United States

You’re looking for a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor. That combination is the key:

• Fiduciary = the advisor is required to act in your best interest.
• Fee-only = the advisor is paid only by you (hourly, flat fee, retainer, or asset-based fee) and does not earn commissions from selling insurance, investments, annuities, mutual funds, or other products.

Since your estimated location is Pensacola, Florida, here are some local firms that appear to match those criteria:

• DNA Wealth Management LLC — A Pensacola-based firm that describes itself as fee-only, independent, and fiduciary, with compensation coming from clients rather than commissions or product recommendations.
• Approach Retirement Advisors — A Pensacola fee-only fiduciary firm focused on retirement planning, investment management, and related planning needs.
• Waverly Advisors, LLC — A Pensacola office of a fee-only Registered Investment Adviser offering wealth management and financial planning without product-driven compensation.
• Saltmarsh Financial Advisors, LLC — A Pensacola RIA that states it provides fee-only fiduciary advisory services.
• Kingsman Wealth Management — A Pensacola fiduciary wealth management firm that states it does not receive commissions for recommended products.
• Safe Harbor Fiduciary — A Pensacola advisory firm operating as a fiduciary investment adviser.

When interviewing an advisor, I’d ask these exact questions:

1. “Are you fee-only or fee-based?”

• Fee-only is what you’re describing. “Fee-based” can include both fees and commissions.

2. “Do you or your firm receive any compensation from investment products, insurance products, referrals, or third parties?”
3. “Will you sign a fiduciary oath and act as a fiduciary at all times?”
4. “Are you a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA), and can I review your Form ADV?”
5. “How are you compensated—hourly, flat fee, subscription, or assets under management?”

If you tell me:

• your approximate investable assets (for example: under $250k, $250k–$1M, $1M+),
• whether you need retirement planning, investment management, tax planning, or a one-time financial plan,
• and whether you prefer in-person in Pensacola or virtual,

I can help narrow this list to the best fits.

You are looking for a Fee-Only financial advisor. In the financial industry, "fee-only" means the advisor is compensated solely by the client (flat fee, hourly rate, or a percentage of assets under management) and does not earn commissions, referral fees, or kickbacks for selling specific financial products, insurance policies, or mutual funds.

Combined with a strict fiduciary standard (meaning they are legally bound to put your best interests ahead of their own at all times), fee-only advisors provide the most objective, conflict-free advice available.

Top dedicated directories to find a fee-only, fiduciary advisor include:

• NAPFA (National Association of Personal Financial Advisors): The largest professional association dedicated exclusively to fee-only fiduciaries. All members must sign a fiduciary oath and meet rigorous education and experience requirements.
• Garrett Planning Network: A nationwide network of fee-only planners who offer advice on an hourly, as-needed, or project basis, often with no asset minimums —ideal if you want guidance without handing over management of your entire portfolio.
• XY Planning Network: Great for Gen X and Gen Y/Millennial clients, specializing in fee-only, fiduciary planning tailored to younger or emerging accumulators, often offering monthly subscription or project models.

Tip: Always double-check an advisor's regulatory background and history using the official SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) Database or your state's securities commissioner website.

To help me narrow down the best path for you, tell me:

• Are you looking for ongoing portfolio management , or one-time/hourly advice for a specific question?
• Do you prefer an advisor local to your area or are you open to virtual/remote meetings?

You are looking for a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor , which means they are legally bound to put your best interests first and are paid directly by you rather than earning commissions on financial products.

Understanding Fee-Only Fiduciaries

• Definition : A fee-only advisor is compensated solely by client fees (hourly rates, flat fees, or a percentage of assets under management). They do not accept commissions, referral fees, or product sales incentives.
• Fiduciary Duty : They are legally required to act in your best financial interest at all times, reducing conflicts of interest.
• Fee-Based vs. Fee-Only : Avoid "fee-based" advisors, who can charge fees and earn commissions on selling specific insurance or investment products. Look strictly for fee-only.

How to Find and Verify an Advisor

1. Search directories like the Garrett Planning Network for hourly/flat-fee advisors, or the XY Planning Network for fee-only planners who specialize in working with younger generations or specific financial stages.
2. Verify regulatory registration as a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) using the SEC Adviser Public Disclosure tool.
3. Check professional designations like CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) via the CFP Board Verification page.
4. Ask them directly in writing: "Are you a fiduciary 100% of the time, and do you operate strictly on a fee-only basis without commissions?"

If you share your general location or the type of service you need (such as comprehensive retirement planning, hourly consultations, or ongoing asset management), I can point you toward specific advisor directories or resources.

• Morton Financial Advice - 131 Slough Rd, Harvard, MA 01451, United States
• Kochevar Financial Planning, LLC - 7 Beth Lee Dr, Grafton, MA 01519, United States
• Still River Financial Planning - 289 Old Farm Way, Ayer, MA 01432, United States
• PlanDynamic - 945 Concord St, Framingham, MA 01701, United States
• Greenway Financial Advisors LLC - 2 Burlington Woods Dr Suite 100, Burlington, MA 01803, United States
• Bluebird Wealth Management - 266 Main St #19b, Medfield, MA 02052, United States
• Constant Guidance Financial - Mitch Zides, CFA, CFP - 1 North Ave, North Attleborough, MA 02763, United States
• Lyon Financial Planning - 42 Reservoir Rd, Waltham, MA 02453, United States
• Cornerstone Financial Management LLC - 10 Burlington Mall Road Ste 301, Burlington, MA 01803, United States
• Forteris Wealth Management - 550 Cochituate Rd, Ste 25, Framingham, MA 01701
• Hoyt Wealth Management - 4410 Princeton Way, Westford, MA 01886, United States
• Bulldog Financial Planning - 23 A St, Cumberland, RI 02864
• Balanced Rock Investment Advisors - 4238 Washington St Ste 311, Boston, MA 02131, United States
• Meridian Financial Advisors - 13 Water St #302, Holliston, MA 01746, United States
• Balanced Rock Investment Advisors - 1163 Walnut St #11, Newton, MA 02461, United States
• Beck Bode, LLC - 858 Washington St #100, Dedham, MA 02026, United States

Yes. The terms you want to look for are “fee-only” and “fiduciary.” “Fee-only” is particularly important because it means the advisor is compensated by clients rather than by commissions from financial products. NAPFA-registered advisors commit to acting as fiduciaries and operating on a fee-only basis.

Since you're in the Oxford, Massachusetts area, I found several potentially good matches within reasonable reach:

• Morton Financial Advice — Harvard, MA. A small, fee-only financial planning and investment advisory firm that publishes its pricing and states that it does not receive commissions. This is one I'd investigate first if you prefer a smaller, planning-oriented practice.
• Kochevar Financial Planning, LLC — Grafton, MA. Particularly close to Oxford. The firm describes itself as fee-only, does not sell securities or insurance, and says it does not receive commissions.
• Still River Financial Planning — Ayer, MA. Fee-only, fiduciary planning focused on families and professionals, with both ongoing and one-time planning.
• PlanDynamic — Framingham, MA. Fee-only fiduciary firm offering comprehensive planning plus optional investment management.
• Greenway Financial Advisors LLC — Burlington, MA. Fee-only and fiduciary, with comprehensive and limited-scope planning.
• Bluebird Wealth Management — Medfield, MA. Independent, fee-only RIA offering both financial planning and investment management.
• Constant Guidance Financial - Mitch Zides, CFA, CFP — North Attleborough, MA. Fee-only fiduciary firm focused on wealth management and retirement planning.

Another particularly interesting option is Lyon Financial Planning in Waltham. Jay Abolofia, PhD, CFP® explicitly describes the practice as advice-only, fee-only, fiduciary, and independent, with no commissions or referral fees. The practice uses flat fees rather than asset-based management fees, which could be attractive if you primarily want advice rather than someone managing your investments.

What I would ask before hiring anyone

I'd ask these questions verbatim:

1. “Are you a fiduciary at all times, or only for certain accounts or services?”
2. “Are you 100% fee-only, with absolutely no commissions, referral fees, or payments from investment or insurance companies?”
3. “Do you or your firm sell any financial products?”
4. “Do you receive any compensation from mutual funds, insurance companies, custodians, or other third parties?”
5. “How are your fees calculated—hourly, flat fee, retainer, or percentage of assets?”
6. “Can I hire you for financial planning without having you manage my investments?”

NAPFA itself recommends asking prospective advisors about fiduciary status, compensation, commissions/incentives, and whether they are NAPFA members.

My preference for your situation: I'd start with Kochevar, Morton, and Lyon, then compare their fee structures and whether they provide the particular kind of planning you need.

If you tell me roughly how much you have invested, your age, whether you're retired or working, and whether you want investment management or just financial planning, I can narrow this to 3–5 advisors that are the best fit and compare their fees, minimums, specialties, and distance from Oxford.

You are looking for a Fee-Only fiduciary financial advisor.

• Crucial distinction: Beware of "fee-based" advisors. While it sounds similar, "fee-based" means they can charge fees and still collect commissions on financial products like insurance policies or mutual funds. Fee-only advisors are compensated exclusively by the client and do not earn commissions.

Top professional organizations and directories specifically vet and list advisors who maintain a strict fee-only, fiduciary standard:

• NAPFA (National Association of Personal Financial Advisors) : The largest professional association of fee-only, comprehensive financial advisors in the U.S. All members sign a fiduciary oath and are strictly prohibited from accepting product commissions. You can search using the NAPFA Find an Advisor Directory.
• Garrett Planning Network : A nationwide network of fee-only financial planners who specialize in hourly, as-needed, or project-based advice. They are unique because many members have no asset or net-worth minimums , making them accessible if you don't have a massive portfolio to manage. You can find them via the Garrett Planning Network Directory.
• XY Planning Network : Focuses heavily on Gen X and Gen Y clients, requiring all members to be fee-only fiduciaries who often offer monthly retainer or flat-fee models rather than demanding high investment minimums.
• FeeOnlyNetwork.com : A searchable database explicitly dedicated to independent, verified fee-only, fiduciary firms.

Tip: Always cross-reference any advisor you're considering on the SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) Database to check their regulatory history and registration type.

To help me narrow down the best option for you, could you share:

• Are you looking for ongoing portfolio management or just a one-time/hourly project?
• Do you have an approximate asset level or investment portfolio size you want guidance on?

Yes. Since you’re in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, I found several nearby firms that specifically advertise fee-only + fiduciary + no commissions/product sales.

Strong local candidates

• GA Bishop & Associates, LLC — Carrollton. This is particularly convenient if you want someone close to Farmers Branch. The firm uses a flat-fee/retainer approach and provides financial planning and investment advice.
• Nautical Star Financial Group — Las Colinas/Irving. Advertises itself as “fiduciary first” and fee-only, with a focus on tax-smart planning for high-earning families and business owners.
• Keener Financial Planning — Dallas/Keller. Explicitly says it does not accept commissions or third-party referral fees. It offers one-time/project planning as well as ongoing advice, which is useful if you don't necessarily want someone managing your investments.
• Worth Asset Management — Dallas. Fee-only fiduciary firm, particularly focused on retirement planning and investment management. Its fee schedule is based on assets managed, so this is less attractive if you specifically want to avoid AUM-based fees.
• Artham Advisors — Dallas. Independent, fee-only and fiduciary; explicitly says it doesn't sell investment or insurance products.
• Sammons Wealth Management — Dallas. Particularly clear about its model: it says it doesn't sell products, charge trading commissions, accept referral fees, or receive compensation for product placement.

A useful independent screening criterion is NAPFA membership. NAPFA describes its members as fee-only fiduciary planners and says fee-only means no commissions.

Another good directory is FeeOnlyNetwork's Dallas directory, which says the advisors listed there are verified as fee-only, fiduciary, and independent.

One important distinction

“Fiduciary” by itself isn't enough. I'd specifically look for:

Fee-only → compensated by you, not commissions from financial products.
Fiduciary → obligated to put your interests first.
No product sales → doesn't sell insurance, annuities, mutual funds, etc. for compensation.
Form ADV/CRS available → gives you something concrete to verify rather than relying on marketing language.

For example, the Garrett Planning Network explicitly requires its members to be fee-only and fiduciaries and says members don't receive commissions on products.

My first three to investigate would be GA Bishop, Nautical Star, and Keener, particularly if your priority is advice rather than being sold an investment product.

If you tell me (1) roughly how much you have invested, (2) whether you're approaching retirement, and (3) whether you want investment management or just advice, I can narrow this to 3–5 specific advisors and compare their fees, minimums, credentials, specialties, and distance from you.

Yes. What you’re describing is a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor—not merely a “fee-based” advisor. Fee-only generally means the advisor is compensated by clients rather than receiving commissions for selling financial products.

Since you're in the Virginia Beach area, I found several local firms that appear to fit that model:

• PeaceLink Financial Planning LLC — Virginia Beach. Fee-only and fiduciary, with a planning focus. It appears particularly oriented toward self-employed professionals and REALTORS®.
• Bay Capital Advisors, LLC — Virginia Beach. NAPFA-listed advisors include CFP® professionals Joe Sallee and Arcelia Wicker; the firm describes itself as fee-only.
• Tull Financial Group Inc — Chesapeake, serving Virginia Beach/Hampton Roads. Describes itself as fee-only, fiduciary, and receiving no commissions or third-party payments.
• Beacon Harbor Wealth Advisors — Virginia Beach. Independent, fee-only RIA with a fiduciary-oriented model.
• Martello Retirement & Wealth — Virginia Beach. Fee-only, no commissions, with a particular emphasis on retirement and tax planning.
• Redeployment Wealth Strategies — Virginia Beach. Fee-only fiduciary firm specifically focused on military members, veterans, and their families.

Two I'd investigate first:
Bay Capital Advisors if you want a more traditional comprehensive wealth-management relationship, and Planning Within Reach if you prefer a planning-centric approach. Planning Within Reach explicitly states that it does not receive sales commissions and does not sell insurance or other financial products.

NAPFA's advisor directory is also a good place to independently verify fee-only advisors.

One important distinction

When interviewing them, ask this exact question:

“Do you or your firm receive any compensation whatsoever from mutual funds, insurance companies, annuity companies, broker-dealers, custodians, referrals, or other financial-product providers?”

You want the answer to be no. Also ask whether they are a fiduciary at all times, rather than only when providing investment-management services.

If you tell me roughly your age, investable assets, whether you're retired/working, and what you primarily need help with (retirement, investments, taxes, estate planning, etc.), I can narrow this down to 3–5 advisors that are the best fit and compare their fees, minimums, credentials, and specialties.

Finding a financial advisor who is a fiduciary 100% of the time and fee-only (meaning they do not accept commissions on products, insurance, or mutual funds) is the best way to ensure your interests come first.

Here is how you can find, vet, and choose the right advisor for your financial goals:

• Fee-Only Network (NAPFA) : Search the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors directory. Every member of NAPFA is a fee-only fiduciary who is legally bound to act in your best interest and cannot sell commission-based products.
• Garrett Planning Network : Check the Garrett Planning Network . This is a nationwide network of fee-only, fiduciary advisors who offer hourly, as-needed financial advice without minimum asset requirements.
• XY Planning Network (XYPN) : Browse the XY Planning Network . This group specializes in fee-only, fiduciary advisors who often work with Gen X and Gen Y (Millennial) clients and do not require massive minimum portfolios to get started.
• Advice-Only / Flat-Fee Advisors : Look into platforms like Advice-Only Network , which list professionals charging flat or hourly fees rather than a percentage of Assets Under Management (AUM).
• Verify via BrokerCheck : No matter where you find an advisor, double-check their background, registrations, and disciplinary history using FINRA BrokerCheck or the SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure tool. Look specifically at their Form ADV (Part 2A), which explicitly states their fee structure and conflicts of interest.

To help narrow down the best platform or specific advisor type for you, could you share:

• Your approximate investable assets or net worth?
• What services you need most (e.g., ongoing portfolio management, retirement planning, or a one-time financial checkup)?

You are looking for a Fee-Only Fiduciary Financial Advisor . This is the highest standard in financial planning, ensuring the advisor is legally bound to act in your best interest and cannot earn commissions from selling financial products.

Here is how to find, verify, and select the right professional for your needs.

🔎 Where to Find Fee-Only Fiduciaries

You should use trusted national networks that require member advisors to sign a fiduciary oath and operate strictly on a fee-only basis:

• NAPFA (National Association of Personal Financial Advisors): The gold standard for fee-only professionals.
• XY Planning Network: Focuses on Gen X and Millennials, often offering monthly retainer models.
• Garrett Planning Network: Best if you need hourly, "pay-as-you-go" financial advice without asset minimums.
• FeeOnlyNetwork: A comprehensive database partnered with NAPFA to verify fee-only status.

📊 Understanding the Cost Structure

Because these advisors do not take commissions, you will pay them directly. Expect one of these models:

• Assets Under Management (AUM): They charge a percentage of the wealth they manage for you (typically 0.5% to 1.5% annually).
• Flat Fee / Retainer: A set quarterly or annual fee (often $2,000 to $7,000+ per year) regardless of your investment size.
• Hourly Rate: A project-based fee (typically $200 to $400 per hour) for creating a specific financial plan.

⚠️ How to Verify an Advisor's Credentials

Never take an advisor’s word at face value. Protect your wealth by vetting them through official regulatory databases:

• Check BrokerCheck (FINRA): Search the advisor's name on BrokerCheck . Look for a "Disclosures" section, which lists past client complaints, regulatory fines, or bankruptcies.
• Review Form ADV Part 2A: This is a firm's brochure filed with the SEC. Check Item 5 (Fees and Compensation) to explicitly confirm they do not receive commissions, and Item 14 to see if they get economic benefits from third parties for referrals.

➡️ 4 Critical Questions to Ask an Advisor

During an initial consultation, ask these exact questions to confirm their status:

1. "Are you a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) , and will you act as a fiduciary in all aspects of our relationship?"
2. "Do you or your firm receive commissions, trailing fees (12b-1 fees), or bonuses for selling specific investments or insurance packages?"
3. "Can you provide a signed, written statement confirming that you operate under a fee-only fiduciary standard?"
4. "What are your specific credentials? Are you a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)?"

To help me tailor this search or provide a specific strategy, could you tell me:

• What city or state are you located in? (If you prefer local over virtual)
• What is your approximate investment asset size or the core financial goal you want to tackle first? (e.g., retirement planning, tax optimization, or basic budgeting)

Yes. What you’re describing is a fee-only fiduciary—an advisor who is paid by you (typically via a flat fee, hourly fee, or percentage of assets managed) and does not receive commissions for selling financial products. NAPFA specifically focuses on this model.

Since you’re in the Fayetteville/Vander area, I found several promising nearby options:

Strong local candidates

• Stalwart Financial Planning — Fayetteville
  This is probably the closest match to what you described. Stalwart says it provides commission-free financial planning and investment management, and its founder, Isaac Allen, CFP®, is a NAPFA member. They offer hourly planning with no minimum asset or net-worth requirement, which can be particularly attractive if you don't want to turn over your entire portfolio. www.napfa.org
  Phone: (910) 867-8464

• Align Financial Planning — Fayetteville
  Align describes itself as a fee-only, fiduciary, commission-free advisory firm. It offers comprehensive financial planning and investment management and can meet virtually or in person in Fayetteville/Southern Pines.

• Hicks Financial Partners — Southern Pines
  Listed by FeeOnlyNetwork as a verified fee-only, fiduciary, independent advisor. It offers comprehensive planning, retirement-income planning, investment management, and tax planning.

• Modera Wealth Management — Southern Pines
  A fee-only fiduciary practice serving the Sandhills/Pinehurst area, with comprehensive planning and investment management.

• Dreher Financial Partners — Southern Pines
  Independent, fee-only RIA focused particularly on people who are retired or approaching retirement. Dreher Financial Partners

One I'd investigate first

Stalwart Financial Planning stands out based on your specific requirements. Its published description explicitly says "we sell no products and receive no commissions," and it offers hourly planning without an asset minimum.

That's different from a firm that calls itself "fee-based." Fee-based does not necessarily mean commission-free; a fee-based advisor can potentially receive both client fees and commissions. You specifically want fee-only.

Questions I'd ask before hiring anyone

I would ask each advisor these four questions directly:

1. "Are you fee-only, meaning neither you nor your firm receives commissions or referral fees from any financial product?"
2. "Are you a fiduciary at all times, including when recommending insurance or other products?"
3. "What exactly will I pay you, and are there any fees paid to third parties?"
4. "Do you have any minimum investment or net-worth requirement?"

I'd also ask for their Form ADV Part 2A before signing anything. That's where you can examine compensation and conflicts in more detail.

If you'd like, I can also narrow this down to the 3 best advisors within, say, 30–50 miles of you, comparing their fees, minimum investment, specialties, fiduciary/fee-only status, and reviews so you can decide whom to interview.