Portfolio Medics
41yrs
Top advisor by experience in Fernandina Beach
31yrs
John Cote
Financial advisor at Merit Financial Advisors
John Cote is a fiduciary financial advisor in Fernandina Beach, Florida, with 31 years in the industry. John joined Merit Financial Advisors in 2024, after four years at Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services and four years at Harrisdirect. Merit Financial Advisors offers financial planning, investment management, and retirement plan consulting and is paid through a percentage of assets, hourly fees, and flat fees.
One of 42 advisors with offices in Fernandina Beach, and one of 35 fiduciaries.
At a glance
Experience31 years (since 1995)
How that compares ?Top 13% by experience at Merit Financial Advisors
OfficeFernandina Beach, FL
How the firm is paid ?Percent of assets, Hourly, Flat fee, Other
Typical client at the firm ?$897,421
Advisors at the firm289
States licensed ?1 state
Services through Merit Financial Advisors
Financial planningInvestment management for individuals and small businessesInvestment management for businesses and institutionsRetirement plan consultingChoosing other investment managersEducational seminars and workshops
Specialties, designations like CFP®, and languages spoken appear here when advisors claim their profiles.
Licenses
Exams passed, from the official record. Tap a license to see what it allows.
Career
- 2024 – nowMerit Financial AdvisorsCurrent firm
- 2020 – 2024
- 2016 – 2019Harrisdirect LLCPreviously
- Aug 2015 – Feb 2016Raymond James & Associates, Inc.Previously
- 2011 – 2015Truist Investment Services, Inc.Previously
- Jan 2011 – Jun 2011Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLCPreviously
- 2008 – 2011Wells Fargo Investments, LLCPreviously
- Jan 2008 – Feb 2008Morgan Stanley & Co. LLCPreviously
Earlier career (2 more)
- Apr 2007 – Nov 2007Morgan Stanley & Co. LLCPreviously
- 2005 – 2007Morgan Stanley DW Inc.Previously
Contact John
(678) 867-7050Firm headquarters in Alpharetta, GA. Ask for John. Fernandina Beach, FLOffice · Get directionsIs this you? Claim your free profile to add a direct line, email, photo, and specialties.
Questions to ask John
Tailored to John’s registration and firm.
- What's your succession plan, and who would work with me if you retire?
- At a firm this size, will I work with you directly or with a service team?
- What does a financial plan with you include, and how often is it updated?
- If you use outside managers, how are they chosen and what do they cost on top of your fee?
- Where would my money be held, and will I get statements directly from that firm?
- What would I pay in total each year, in dollars, including fund and trading costs?
My notes and scorecard
Sign in to keep private notes, score your first meeting, and track this advisor alongside others.
About John
How do I contact John?
Call Merit Financial Advisors at (678) 867-7050 and ask for John Cote. John works from the Fernandina Beach, FL office.
How long has John been a financial advisor?
John has been in the industry since 1995, about 31 years. Top 13% by experience at Merit Financial Advisors.
What licenses does John hold?
Series 63, Series 65. Tap any license on this page to see what it allows.
Is John a fiduciary?
John is registered as an investment advisor representative, which carries a fiduciary duty when giving investment advice.
How is John paid?
Merit Financial Advisors reports being paid by a percentage of the assets they manage, hourly fees, flat or fixed fees, other fees. Ask John for your total yearly cost in dollars.
Official record as of October 3, 2026.
This profile is for information only and is not financial advice or a recommendation.
Other advisors nearby
Singer, Leemon & Associates
40yrs
Top 4% by experience in Florida
Ameritas Advisory Services
37yrs
Top 6% by experience nationwide
CWM
35yrs
Top 5% by experience at CWM
Eagle Strategies
34yrs
Top 9% by experience in Florida
Tbcpa
34yrs
Top 9% by experience in Florida