Financial planner · Takoma Park, MD · reviewed since 2018
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%86+50.5Reliability 26%82+21.4Value 15%78+11.9Experts Score= 84Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.84SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#29 of 34 financial plannersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 15%
4.8★★★★★33 Google reviews · 8 photos
94%five-star reviews
4.85★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
3.2%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate XML Financial Group 4.8 out of 5 based on 33 reviews, with the owner responding to only 3% of comments. Clients frequently praise the firm for its proactive communication, educational support, and long-term relationship management across various life stages. Services include comprehensive financial planning, investment management, and wealth strategy. The primary criticism from low-star reviews involves difficulties transferring inherited 529 plan funds to external accounts, suggesting potential barriers to account access.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 33 reviews (94% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 33 Google reviews (30 with written comments).
Owner responses: the business replied to 3% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 13, 2026.
Service: Financial Planner serving Takoma Park, Maryland.
Data from Google, last updated October 28, 2026.
Score profile vs other financial planners
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and satisfaction; weakest: value.
XML Financial GroupFinancial Planners median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.XML Financial Group: 86/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
86
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.XML Financial Group: 82/100 on this factor. Category median: 97.A
82
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
–
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.XML Financial Group: 78/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.B
78
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.XML Financial Group: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 58.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
33 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars3194%
4 stars00%
3 stars13%
2 stars00%
1 star13%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 30 written reviews
99%praise
Praise7599%
Complaints11%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
91%fair
Great price655%
Reasonable436%
Overpriced19%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
6topics
Staff & attitude1824%
Honesty & trust1621%
Would recommend1520%
Quality & results1013%
Speed & response912%
Communication811%
What customers talk about
We read 30 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“I highly recommend XML for anyone looking for a knowledgeable, trustworthy, and professional financial advisor!”
“What sets them apart is their genuinely unbiased approach.”
“He takes the time to teach his clients because he truly loves what hes doing and would recommend Zach and XML ten times over!”
“Excellent service and guidance from start to finish.”
“The team is super responsive and are avaialble for anything needed.”
“They are incredibly helpful, easy to work with, and genuinely care about their clients and their financial goals.”
People customers mention
Brett4 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired XML Financial Group for 4 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
MMeredith11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★
We have been customers of XML for about 15 years and they have guided us through different financial stages with amazing support. As we move though different life stages I am happy for the education and support provided. The team is super responsive and are avaialble for anything needed. I am consistently being…
JJenna5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★
I highly recommend XML for anyone looking for a knowledgeable, trustworthy, and professional financial advisor! They are incredibly helpful, easy to work with, and genuinely care about their clients and their financial goals. They take the time to explain everything clearly, answer questions, and make you feel…
AAllie8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★
High regards for XML Financial Group. We appreciate that they recommend financial support in such a way where we do not feel any pressure. Communication is proactive and the financial advice always aligns with our family's long-term goals.
Financial planEstate planningInvestment advising
LLindsey2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★
I have worked with Zach Weaver for over a year now. Initially, I did not want to hand over my accounts to an advisor because I felt like I had a pretty good handle on things but since working with him I have walked away with great invetment picks but more importantly a better understanding about my investments and…
Financial planEstate planningInvestment advising
LLindsey1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★
XML Financial Group has done a great job helping me and my family prioritize my investing strategies to build wealth in a sustainable way while achieving my growth goals.
Financial planEstate planningInvestment advising
AAmir1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★
Exceptional Guidance, True Partners in Financial Planning
I cannot recommend XML Financial Group and their team highly enough. From comprehensive financial planning to strategic investment management, their guidance has been instrumental in helping me make sound, confident decisions for my financial future and…
We have been customers of XML for about 15 years and they have guided us through different financial stages with amazing support. As we move though different life stages I am happy for the education and support provided. The team is super responsive and are avaialble for anything needed. I am consistently being reminded to schedule an annual review to cover any changes in needs and our account overall which I appreciate as I would otherwise not be as involed. As someone who has minimal financial knowledge, Brett and team take the time to ensure my understanding in every step we take.
I highly recommend XML for anyone looking for a knowledgeable, trustworthy, and professional financial advisor! They are incredibly helpful, easy to work with, and genuinely care about their clients and their financial goals. They take the time to explain everything clearly, answer questions, and make you feel confident about your financial future. Excellent service and guidance from start to finish. I couldn’t recommend them enough!
A
Allie Ammerman8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Allie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
High regards for XML Financial Group. We appreciate that they recommend financial support in such a way where we do not feel any pressure. Communication is proactive and the financial advice always aligns with our family's long-term goals.
I have worked with Zach Weaver for over a year now. Initially, I did not want to hand over my accounts to an advisor because I felt like I had a pretty good handle on things but since working with him I have walked away with great invetment picks but more importantly a better understanding about my investments and the economy as a whole. He takes the time to teach his clients because he truly loves what hes doing and would recommend Zach and XML ten times over!
XML Financial Group has done a great job helping me and my family prioritize my investing strategies to build wealth in a sustainable way while achieving my growth goals.
Exceptional Guidance, True Partners in Financial Planning
I cannot recommend XML Financial Group and their team highly enough. From comprehensive financial planning to strategic investment management, their guidance has been instrumental in helping me make sound, confident decisions for my financial future and savings goals.
What sets them apart is their genuinely unbiased approach. They consistently prioritize what is best for my long-term goals without any pressure. Beyond their expertise, their communication is top-tier—they are always proactive in reaching out and remarkably quick to respond whenever I have questions. If you are looking for a trustworthy, dedicated wealth management team, XML is as good as it gets.
We have been working with Jason and his team for over a decade and they have been responsive, helpful and trustworthy the entire time. They have helped us navigate savings and investments while starting a new business, and have been easy to work with and a wonderful team to have on our side.
W
William Evans6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews William has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Brett and Rob's leadership clearly sets the standard for the firm’s proactive communication, deep industry expertise, and personalized approach to financial planning. I highly recommend XML Financial to anyone seeking trustworthy, top-tier financial wealth management.
R
reza akhavi9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews reza has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I have had an outstanding experience working with Brett Bernstein and the team at XML Financial Group. Brett is incredibly thoughtful, disciplined, and proactive in looking out for my family's best interests. What sets XML apart is their unwavering commitment to risk management—they focus on helping you achieve your long-term wealth goals safely and strategically without taking unnecessary risks. I always feel informed, valued, and completely confident in our financial roadmap. Highly recommend Brett and XML Financial to anyone looking for top-tier wealth management!
I have been with XML for over 5 years and I can say without a doubt they treat you like family and they treat your money like it was their own. They operate with integrity and they honor their word. The service is exceptional and some of the staff Debbie, Stacey, Todd and one of the owners Brett have amazing follow up and always make you feel like you are their only client. I am a pretty critical person when it comes to service and they exceed my expectations every day.
