Managing your money is a big step toward building a secure future. For many, the idea of hiring a financial planner seems overwhelming both in complexity and cost. Thankfully, virtual financial planners are changing the game. With these online services, you can access personalized financial guidance in a flexible and often more affordable way. Whether your goal is to pay off debt, save for a milestone purchase, or plan for retirement, virtual financial planners make expert advice more accessible than ever. We’ll break down how they work, reasons to consider them, tips for finding the right service, and examples of affordable virtual planners available online today.

What Are Virtual Financial Planners?

Virtual financial planners are professionals who offer financial advice remotely. Instead of meeting in person, they communicate with clients through video calls, online platforms, or apps. Much like traditional advisors, they help you create budgets, manage debt, plan investments, and set long-term financial goals. The main difference? Virtual planners skip the office setup, resulting in lower costs and more flexible access.

By working remotely, virtual planners can serve clients anywhere, saving time and cutting overhead costs. This remote approach makes high-quality financial planning services affordable for more people. If you’re ready to meet with a planner from your kitchen or living room, this could be the solution for you.

Why Choose Virtual Financial Planners?

These digital financial services are gaining popularity for good reason. There are a lot of benefits people love about connecting with a virtual financial planner.

Lower Costs

Many traditional financial advisors charge annual fees as a percentage of assets under management (AUM), usually between 0.5% to 1%. For someone with $100,000 in investments, that equates to $500-$1,000 per year—and this doesn’t include one-time fees some advisors might charge.

By contrast, virtual financial planners remove many of the extra expenses associated with traditional advisory services. Some offer flat annual fees, pay-as-you-go pricing, or subscription models. For instance, Facet Wealth offers transparent, flat fees starting at $2,000 per year with no additional charges for investment management. While this isn’t the cheapest option, it provides access to Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) for comprehensive advice without surprises.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Betterment provides a free one-time support session for clients transferring $20,000, along with a 0.65% AUM fee for its Premium tier (which requires a $100,000 minimum). These flexible pricing structures allow people to choose a level of support that fits their budget.

Convenience and Flexibility

Virtual financial planners adapt to your schedule. Whether you work full-time, juggle a busy family life, or live in a rural area with limited in-person options, you can still receive professional advice. Since meetings are online, there’s no need to travel or disrupt your day.

Many planners operate during extended hours to accommodate different time zones. This means you can book appointments in the evening or on weekends if that works better for your routine. Convenience is a standout benefit of virtual financial planning.

Customized Expertise

Virtual planners offer advice tailored to your unique financial goals from student loans to retirement. Rather than a generic approach, they work to understand your individual needs. Their reach tends to be broader, serving clients from all walks of life with varying financial situations.

Some virtual advisors also combine human expertise with technology, like AI-driven analysis, to create strategies designed specifically for you. This hybrid approach provides top-tier guidance in a personal and cost-effective way.

How Do Virtual Financial Planners Work?

Here’s a breakdown of how virtual financial planning services typically operate to help you understand the process.

Step 1. Initial Consultation

Most virtual planners start with a consultation, which may be free or offered at a low cost. During this session, they'll ask questions about your finances (things like income, expenses, savings, and debts) and your short- and long-term goals.

Step 2. Developing a Plan

They design a custom financial plan tailored to your priorities based on your input. This could include budgeting, investment strategies, or debt repayment schedules. You’ll usually review the plan together to make sure it aligns with what you envisioned.

Step 3. Ongoing Support

Many virtual financial planners offer regular check-ins to track your progress and make adjustments when needed. You’ll often have access to them via email or messaging for questions that come up between meetings as well.

Step 4. Technology Tools

Most services include access to online tools like budgeting apps, tax calculators, or investment trackers. These resources make it easier to stay on top of your finances and understand how your money is growing over time.

Tips for Choosing the Right Virtual Financial Planner

Choosing a financial planner isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here are some tips to help you find an option that meets your needs.

Verify Certifications

Look for certifications like CFP® or CFA® (Chartered Financial Analyst) to ensure the planner has the training and expertise needed to guide you effectively.

Understand Fee Structures

Know exactly what you’ll pay. Some planners use flat fees (e.g., Facet Wealth at $2,000+ per year) or subscription models (like Ellevest’s $5/month). Others charge based on AUM. If you’re cost-conscious, stick to flat-fee or subscription-based advisers.

Assess Usability

Check if the platform’s technology is easy to use. Can you access your account, updates, and tools easily online? User-friendly software will make your experience much smoother.

Read Testimonials

Client reviews offer a helpful glimpse into how a service performs. Look for feedback from people in similar financial situations to yours.

Clarify Your Goals

Whether paying off debt, saving for a house, or preparing for retirement, be clear about your goals. This way, you can pick a planner with experience in those areas.

Affordable Virtual Financial Planning Services

Here are some standout affordable options for virtual financial planning in 2025.

1. Facet Wealth

Facet Wealth’s flat fee ranges from $2,400 to $8,000 per year, depending on the complexity of your needs. For the base plan ($2,000 annually), you’ll get services like debt management, retirement planning, and insurance reviews. This is ideal for clients looking for comprehensive support from certified experts without unpredictable costs.

2. Betterment

Betterment is an investment-focused platform that offers financial advice. For $20,000 transfers, you can get free one-time setup support from their team. Their Premium plan includes unlimited support with a CFP® for a 0.65% annual fee and requires a $100,000 account minimum. For long-term investors, Betterment is both practical and automated.

3. Ellevest

Ellevest, designed primarily for women, offers financial advice features starting at just $5 per month with its online-only essentials subscription. This plan focuses heavily on investment support and setting financial goals.

4. XY Planning Network

This network connects younger clients with advisors who charge monthly rates, often between $50 and $200. It’s a great match for clients in the early stages of building wealth who need flexible, ongoing support.

Whether you’re looking for a simplified budgeting plan or aiming to maximize your investment growth, there’s a virtual financial planner that suits your needs. Start exploring today, and you’ll be one step closer to financial confidence and peace of mind.