What Is NAPFA?

NAPFA, short for the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, is a membership organization made up exclusively of fee-only financial advisors. Founded in 1983, NAPFA promotes transparency, client-focused service and a fiduciary standard that prohibits members from receiving commissions. It also provides educational tools and resources for both financial professionals and consumers.

If you need help finding a fiduciary financial advisor, SmartAsset can connect you with advisors who serve your area.

What Is NAPFA?

The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) was established by a group of financial professionals seeking an alternative to commission-based compensation. Their goal was to create a community focused solely on fee-only financial planning, where advice would be based on client needs rather than product sales. NAPFA members follow a fiduciary standard and commit to offering objective, comprehensive financial guidance.

In addition to supporting consumers, NAPFA provides resources for advisors to grow professionally. Members can access continuing education, networking opportunities and tools to promote their practices. As of 2025, the organization includes more than 4,600 advisors across the United States.

Consumers can also take advantage of NAPFA’s public-facing resources. These include educational materials, financial planning tips and a free quarterly newsletter, all designed to make financial guidance more accessible.

What Does it Mean to Be Fee-Only?

“Fee-only” refers to a compensation model where financial advisors are paid exclusively by their clients, without earning commissions, referral fees, or third-party incentives. This approach is designed to reduce potential conflicts of interest by eliminating financial ties to product sales or outside institutions.

Instead of making money by selling insurance or investment products, fee-only advisors typically charge hourly rates, flat fees or a percentage of assets under management. The model aligns compensation directly with the client’s financial goals and the services provided, rather than with transactions.

NAPFA requires all its members to operate under this model and to sign a fiduciary oath, committing them to always act in the client’s best interest. By removing outside incentives, fee-only advisors are positioned to offer more objective, client-focused advice.

What Sets NAPFA Advisors Apart?

What Is NAPFA (National Association of Personal Financial Advisors)?

While the term “financial advisor” is widely used, becoming a NAPFA-Registered Financial Advisor involves meeting a much higher standard. Every applicant must first earn the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation, which requires formal education, financial planning experience, and adherence to a code of ethics.

To qualify for membership, advisors must submit a comprehensive sample financial plan, complete a peer review process or finish a capstone course. Maintaining membership also requires completing at least 60 hours of continuing education every two years, with specific guidelines around ethics and NAPFA-approved content.

NAPFA advisors operate under a strict fee-only model, meaning they do not receive commissions or third-party compensation. This structure supports the delivery of objective, comprehensive advice without sales incentives. Advisors are expected to focus on a client’s full financial picture, including investments, taxes, retirement, insurance, and estate planning.

Members must also commit to a fiduciary oath and a formal code of ethics, which requires them to act solely in the client’s best interest. Combined with the fee-only model, this approach is designed to foster transparency, trust, and alignment between advisor and client.

How to Find a NAPFA Advisor

Since NAPFA advisors sound great, you may now be wondering how you find one. NAPFA makes that process consumer-friendly too, with an easily accessible advisor search tool on its website. Not only can you find the closest advisors to you, but you can filter your search based on your financial need.

For example, you can choose from “divorce planning” to “estate & generational planning issues” to “planning issues for unmarried & same-sex couples” and much more.

Other NAPFA Memberships

In addition to its flagship designation for NAPFA-Registered Financial Advisors, the organization offers several other membership types for professionals at different stages of their careers or involvement in financial planning. Each type comes with distinct eligibility criteria and benefits.

NAPFA Associate: For fee-only advisors or professionals who work in a related industry, for instance, as a CPA, CFA or attorney, but are otherwise not eligible for any category of NAPFA membership.
Pathway Member: For individuals who have passed the CFP® exam and are pursuing experience in a fee-only financial planning firm
Student Affiliate: Open to students currently enrolled in a financial planning program. This membership provides access to educational resources, networking opportunities, and career development tools.
Academic Affiliate: Designed for educators and researchers in the financial planning field. Academic Affiliates gain access to conferences, research publications, and collaboration opportunities.
Retired Member: Intended for long-standing NAPFA-Registered Advisors who no longer practice actively but wish to remain connected.

Bottom Line

Finding the right financial advisor takes time. When it comes to your finances, you’re going to want the best of the best to take care of your money. For starters, an advisor with a CFP® designation guarantees a well-educated and experienced advisor. The added plus comes when an advisor is a NAPFA-registered financial advisor, further reassuring you that you’ve found the right advisor.

Tips for Finding a Financial Advisor

Finding the right financial advisor that fits your needs doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
When you start your search for a financial advisor, you’re going to want to pay attention to their credentials. Unfortunately, the bar to call yourself a financial advisor is pretty low. Because of this, a number of more selective financial certifications can help you find a qualified advisor.
Next, you should figure out exactly what you want and need from a financial advisor. Many advisors have specialties, from divorce planning to retirement savings to budgeting. Knowing what you’re looking for will help you narrow your search.
Again, don’t forget to double-check how your advisor makes money. There are a number of advisors who make a ton of money through commissions. While there’s nothing inherently bad about that, this kind of practice can lead to misguided and biased advice. That’s why it would really help to find an advisor associated with NAPFA.