The proprietary Advisor Star rating system reviews the qualifications and experience of individual Financial Advisors in a number of areas, and a score is assigned for each area. The sum of the scoring in these areas is added to calculate the final rating. In addition to this quantitative evaluation, every advisor receives a telephone, video or a face-to-face personal evaluation. The information is then assembled and an Advisor Star Rating (ASR) report is formulated. The ultimate selection of a financial advisor with an Advisor Star Rating and the transaction of business with that person is the sole responsibility of each consumer and each consumer should make their own determination of the advisor's suitability for their needs. We do not endorse, recommend, or guarantee service, performance, or product. Our system is only part of a process an individual must go through to determine if an advisor will satisfy their needs. We strongly urge anyone seeking an advisor to speak with that advisor before engaging the advisor. Many agree to a "free of charge" initial consultation with the consumer. After your initial meeting with an Advisor Star rated advisor, we will request that you complete an evaluation checklist, which can be accessed by (clicking here) "feedback". Only through this feedback and open discussion can we continue to ensure the quality of our work.

Advisor Star evaluates individual Financial Advisors only and does not provide evaluations for organizations or firms. If you are a Financial Advisor and wish to apply for an ASR, click here. If you are not a Financial Advisor and wish to submit the name of a Financial Advisor for evaluation by Advisor Star, at no charge to you, click here.

The advisors' category of ratings is as follows:

5 Star Rating	Superior Financial advisors who achieve a 5-star rating are judged to be superior, that is, highly advanced and holistic advisors who have the capability of handling all their clients' financial advisory needs. They are advisors who have achieved sufficient education, examination, and experience, and meet our requirements and are committed to high standards of ethical conduct.
4 Star Rating	Excellent Financial advisors with a 4-star rating are judged to be excellent. However, they may be proficient in only certain areas of investment and financial advisory services. Therefore the advisor carries out his or her responsibilities utilizing the expertise of other planning professionals. They are advisors who have achieved sufficient education, examination, and experience, and meet our requirements and are committed to high standards of ethical conduct. These advisors differ only slightly from those rated superior.
3 Star Rating	Good Financial advisors with a 3-star rating are judged to be good. They may be proficient in, or favoring, certain areas of financial planning and may make recommendations in other financial planning areas. However, they cannot execute all transactions and therefore require the assistance of other investment and financial services professionals. They are advisors who have achieved sufficient education, examination, and experience, and meet our requirements and are committed to high standards of ethical conduct.
Currently being rated	Undergoing Rating Process This indicates that the financial advisor is in the process of being rated. The rating process takes between two and four weeks, beginning from the time the completed application is received by Advisor Star, evaluated and the advisor is notified of final outcome.
Not Rated	Not Rated This indicates that a financial advisor has not been rated.
Declined to be rated	Declined to be rated This indicates that the financial advisor was contacted and declined our services. At this time, Advisor Star offers no opinion on the advisor.
Unsatisfactory Rating	Unsatisfactory This indicates that a financial advisor does not meet our criteria for a 3-, 4-, or 5-star rating.
No longer being rated	No Longer Being Rated This indicates that the financial advisor who has been previously evaluated is no longer being rated. The advisor was contacted for renewal of our services. The advisor has chosen not to utilize Advisor Star's services any longer. Any previous information prepared will no longer be valid. Furthermore Advisor Star will no longer be reviewing the advisor's information or publishing information about the advisor. At this time, Advisor Star offers no further opinion on this advisor.

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