In February 2026, retirement planning services in the USA help individuals build, manage, and protect nest eggs through personalized strategies. These include calculating required savings, optimizing Social Security claiming, tax-efficient withdrawals, investment allocation, estate planning, and healthcare considerations (e.g., Medicare, long-term care).
Services fall into categories:
- Robo-advisors & hybrid platforms — Automated or semi-automated for low-cost, hands-off retirement investing.
- Traditional wealth management firms — High-touch fiduciary advice for complex needs like pensions, annuities, or high-net-worth scenarios.
- Brokerage-based advisory — From major players like Fidelity, Vanguard, and Schwab, blending tools with human support.
- Flat-fee or hourly planners — For targeted advice without ongoing asset management.
This 2026 guide ranks top options based on fees, minimums, retirement-specific tools (e.g., income projection, withdrawal strategies), fiduciary status, customer reviews, and sources like NerdWallet, Bankrate, Forbes, WSJ, and SmartAsset (as of February 2026). Always verify current details directly, as offerings evolve.
Why Use Professional Retirement Planning Services?
- Maximize income — Strategies for Roth conversions, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and bridge gaps.
- Minimize taxes & risks — Tax-loss harvesting, diversified portfolios, inflation protection.
- Address longevity — Planning for 20–30+ years in retirement, including healthcare costs.
- Simplify decisions — Social Security optimization, pension vs. lump sum, annuities.
Robo/hybrid suit balances under $500k with low fees (0–0.35%). Wealth firms excel for $250k+ or complex situations (e.g., business owners, multiple income streams) with 0.5–1%+ fees but deeper customization.
Key Factors to Consider
- Fees — AUM % vs. flat/hourly; lower preserves compounding.
- Minimums — $0–$500k+.
- Retirement Tools — Monte Carlo simulations, withdrawal calculators, Social Security analysis.
- Access — Unlimited CFP calls vs. automated only.
- Fiduciary — Client-first standard (most listed are).
- Account Types — IRAs, 401(k) rollovers, taxable.
Best Retirement Planning Services in February 2026
Standout options across categories:
1. Vanguard Personal Advisor — Best for Low-Cost Hybrid Retirement Planning
~0.30% fee. $50,000 minimum. CFP access + Vanguard’s low-cost index funds. Strong retirement focus: goal tracking, income strategies, rebalancing.
Pros: Ultra-low fees, passive indexing, excellent for long-term.
Cons: Limited customization.
Best for: Cost-conscious investors prioritizing index funds.
2. Fidelity Go / Fidelity Wealth Management — Best Overall for Accessibility & Tools
0–0.35% (free under $25k). $0–$10 minimum. Retirement calculators, coaching, Roth conversions, Social Security tools. Hybrid with human advisors.
Pros: Free/low fees, robust retirement planning suite.
Cons: Basic tax tools on core robo.
Best for: Beginners to mid-range savers.
3. Charles Schwab Intelligent Portfolios / Wealth Advisory — Best for No/Low Fees & Integration
0% advisory (premium $30/month for CFP). $5,000–$500k minimum. Retirement income planning, RMD help, Schwab platform.
Pros: No management fee option, strong tools.
Cons: Cash allocation in portfolios.
Best for: Schwab users wanting free/hybrid retirement advice.
4. Edelman Financial Engines — Best for Comprehensive Retirement Income Focus
0.50–1.50% (varies). Focus on retirement transitions, income strategies, Social Security optimization.
Pros: Retirement expertise, fiduciary.
Cons: Higher fees for complexity.
Best for: Pre-retirees/retirees needing income planning.
5. Facet — Best for Flat-Fee Predictable Planning
Flat monthly (~$2,400–$8,000/year). No AUM %. Unlimited CFP access, retirement-specific plans (withdrawals, taxes).
Pros: Transparent, no asset-based fees.
Cons: Self-directed investing often.
Best for: Those wanting advice without % fees.
6. Betterment — Best Robo for Tax & Goal-Based Retirement
0.25–0.40%. $0 minimum. Tax-loss harvesting, retirement goal tracking, premium CFP access.
Pros: Advanced automation, retirement modeling.
Cons: Premium for humans.
Best for: Tax-efficient taxable/IRAs.
7. Wealthfront — Best for Advanced Planning Tools
0.25%. $500 minimum. Path tool for retirement scenarios, direct indexing.
Pros: Strong projections, tax strategies.
Cons: No unlimited human on basic.
Best for: Hands-off with sophisticated modeling.
8. Mariner Wealth Advisors — Best High-Touch Fiduciary
AUM-based. Comprehensive: retirement, estate, tax.
Pros: Personalized service.
Cons: Higher minimums.
Best for: Complex needs.
Other notables: Northwestern Mutual (dividends/permanent), Morgan Stanley (high-net-worth), Zoe Financial (advisor matching), Empower (retirement tools).
Comparison Table: Top Retirement Planning Services 2026
| Service | Type | Fee | Minimum | Key Retirement Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanguard Personal Advisor | Hybrid | ~0.30% | $50,000 | Index focus, income planning | Low-cost passive |
| Fidelity Go / Wealth Mgmt | Robo/Hybrid | 0–0.35% | $0–$10 | Calculators, coaching, RMDs | Accessibility & tools |
| Charles Schwab | Robo/Hybrid | 0% (or premium) | $5,000+ | No fee option, income strategies | Low/no fees |
| Edelman Financial Engines | Wealth | 0.50–1.50% | Varies | Income focus, Social Security | Retirement income |
| Facet | Flat-Fee | Monthly flat | Varies | Unlimited CFP, custom plans | Predictable costs |
| Betterment | Robo | 0.25–0.40% | $0 | Tax optimization, goals | Tax efficiency |
| Wealthfront | Robo | 0.25% | $500 | Path tool, projections | Advanced automation |
| Mariner Wealth Advisors | Wealth | AUM-based | Varies | High-touch, estate/tax | Personalized complex |
Tips to Maximize Retirement Planning
- Start Early — Use free calculators; compound growth is key.
- Assess Needs — Simple portfolio? Robo. Complex (pensions, health)? Human advisor.
- Prioritize Fiduciary — Ensures client-first recommendations.
- Integrate Accounts — Rollovers, Social Security, pensions.
- Review Annually — Adjust for market changes, health, laws.
- Consider Taxes — Roth vs. traditional, withdrawal order.
- Get Multiple Quotes — Free consultations common.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Delaying planning (miss compounding, higher taxes).
- Ignoring healthcare/long-term care costs.
- Over-relying on Social Security alone.
- High fees eroding returns.
- Not diversifying or rebalancing.
Alternatives
- DIY Tools — Vanguard/Fidelity retirement calculators.
- Hourly Advice — Garrett Planning Network (fee-only).
- Employer Plans — 401(k) advisors or target-date funds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Best for beginners/low balances? Fidelity Go or Betterment ($0 minimums).
Robo vs. human for retirement? Robo for simple; human for nuanced (e.g., claiming strategies).
How much do I need? Varies; aim 10–15x final salary + Social Security.
Are these fiduciary? Yes for listed advisory services.
When to start? Now—earlier is better.
Conclusion: Secure Your Retirement in 2026
The best retirement planning services in the USA for 2026 combine low costs, smart tools, and expert guidance. Favorites like Vanguard (low-cost indexing), Fidelity (accessible tools), and Facet (flat-fee) offer strong value for most. For income-focused or complex needs, Edelman or Mariner excel.
Explore free tools or consultations today—many take minutes online. Consistent planning and aligned services pave the way for a comfortable retirement.
Informational only—not advice. Verify with providers. Data reflects February 2026 sources.
