Fee Structures Explained: Which Financial Advisor Payment Model is Right for You?
Financial advisors are not exclusive to the affluent; their services can be availed of by anybody, whether they need help paying off loans or are interested in trying their hands at stock trading.
Evaluate Financial Advice Cost: What You Need to Know
The cost of financial planning varies a lot, and depending on what your goals and current budget are, you can choose one that fits right into your needs. Many of them charge differently, and here are the common ways financial advisors charge for their fees:
Percentage-based fees. This type of payment model also covers advisors who handle assets under management (AUM). Simply put, they charge their clients a percentage based on how much of their assets they are handling. Out of all the payment models, this one is the most expensive to date.
Commission-based fees. Another way financial advisors earn their keep is through commission, wherein they receive compensation based on how much they do in sales.
Hourly fees. Rather than earning through commissions or through AUM, some advisors also charge by the hour. Keep in mind that not all advisors share the same rate since there are a lot of advisors who have specializations; depending on their expertise, they could charge from $200 to a whopping $5,000.
Flat-fee planning services. Aside from the aforementioned, financial advisors could also charge you a fee based on the list of services they give you. After all, there are certain people who need guidance on a certain topic and would pretty much handle everything else on their own, so this payment model is ideal for them.
Fees aside, if you’re wondering how much a typical financial advisor costs, it’s important to remember that it varies greatly depending on your location, the fee structure, and the firm. Some of them charge a 1% commission, but there are those who have a steep hourly fee.
Choosing the Right Payment Model Based on Your Goals
As mentioned earlier, it’s important to choose a payment model that is convenient for you. We understand that not everyone has the financial capacity to hire financial advisors, so there are those who seek a bit of financial advice that’s pretty light on their wallet.
Before choosing which payment model to take, consider these few factors:
- Your financial needs.
- Investment time horizon.
- Portfolio size.
Every financial advisor’s payment model varies and comes with its own pros and cons. It’s better to do more research on the model you want to use while also keeping in mind the financial goal you want to achieve. At the end of the day, you want to choose one that works best within your budget and also suits your needs. You don’t even have to stick to one; you can also explore alternative options like using robo-advisors, utilizing financial planning software and apps, or even self-studying available financial books. There’s no one way to do things; as long as you find a cost-effective solution to help you achieve your financial goal, then you’re good to go.
