The Forbes | SHOOK Best-In-State Wealth Advisors ranking can help you identify financial advisors to research, but it is not a recommendation or a promise of results. SHOOK describes its rankings as opinions that are not indicative of future performance and may not represent any one client’s experience. Use the list to build a shortlist, then assess each candidate against your needs and verify the details independently.
What the Best-In-State ranking tells you
SHOOK Research says it evaluates nominated advisors using a combination of quantitative and qualitative criteria. Its process includes reviews of compliance records and advisor surveys, along with interviews. The current list is the April 2026 edition; consult the current Best-In-State list to find entries for your state.
The methodology considers business and practice information, not just a single measure of an advisor’s work. SHOOK says portfolio performance is not a criterion: investment objectives and risk profiles vary, and audited comparative returns are uncommon. Accordingly, inclusion does not show that an advisor achieved a particular return or that the advisor is right for you.
SHOOK Research, LLC, says: “SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions for how to choose the right financial advisor and not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience.” The methodology also says ranking data are self-reported and advises investors to choose based on their own situation and conduct independent due diligence. Read the SHOOK methodology for its full explanation.
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How SHOOK says advisors are evaluated
Eligibility and nomination
SHOOK’s stated basic requirements include at least seven years as an advisor and at least one year at the current firm, subject to exceptions. An advisor must be recommended and nominated by the firm, complete an online survey, generate more than half of revenue or production with individuals, and have an acceptable compliance record. Meeting these requirements is part of the selection process; it is not a finding that an advisor will suit every investor.
Quantitative and qualitative factors
Among the quantitative inputs SHOOK lists are revenue, revenue trends, assets under management, and client-related information such as retention. Its qualitative review includes interviews and consideration of compliance and disclosure records, service model, investment process, fee structure, financial planning, team structure and dynamics, credentials, and community involvement.
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Scale of the 2026 research process
SHOOK’s April 2026 research summary reports figures for all SHOOK advisors, not counts for the Best-In-State list alone. SHOOK Research reports these figures for 2026:
| Research activity | Reported count |
|---|---|
| Nominations received | 52,043 |
| Invited to complete an online survey | 29,109 |
| Telephone interviews | 26,288 |
| In-person interviews at advisors’ locations | 6,985 |
| Virtual interviews | 1,553 |
| Total interviews | 34,626 |
These are process-volume figures, not a measure of advisor quality or a success rate for the Best-In-State ranking. See SHOOK’s methodology page for the figures and selection details.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsHow to use the list to choose an advisor
Start with advisors who appear relevant to your location and needs, then use conversations and independent checks to decide whether to proceed. SHOOK’s own evaluation dimensions suggest useful interview topics, but the ranking itself is not a personalized recommendation.
- Define what you need. Write down the planning questions, investment needs, time horizon, and level of service you are seeking. A candidate’s fit depends on your circumstances, not simply on a ranking.
- Ask how the advisor would work with you. Discuss financial planning, investment process, asset allocation, liability management, and the ongoing service model. Ask who will handle your account and how the team works together.
- Get clear on costs and compensation. Ask how the advisor and firm are paid, what fees or other costs you may face, and whether compensation varies with the recommendations or products involved. Compare the answers across candidates.
- Check experience, credentials, and disclosures. Confirm relevant qualifications and experience, and independently review available compliance and disclosure information. Ask the advisor to explain anything you do not understand.
- Compare the answers against your priorities. Consider whether the proposed services, investment approach, costs, team coverage, and communication style fit your needs. Do not treat list placement as a substitute for this judgment.
For a broader checklist on evaluating a candidate, consult the advisor due-diligence guidance. The most useful comparison is between the services and terms each advisor actually offers, rather than between rankings alone.
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