Are financial advisors worth 1% fee?

Asked by: Bryon Veum  |  Last update: October 23, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (26 votes)

Bottom Line. A 1% annual fee on a multi-million-dollar investment portfolio is roughly typical of the fees charged by many financial advisors. But that's not inherently a good or bad thing, but rather should hold weight in your decision about whether to use an advisor's services.

Is a 1 fee worth it for a financial advisor?

While 1.5% is on the higher end for financial advisor services, if that's what it takes to get the returns you want, then it's not overpaying, so to speak. Staying around 1% for your fee may be standard, but it certainly isn't the high end. You need to decide what you're willing to pay for what you're receiving.

Is 1% investment fee good?

Sometimes it's worth paying this if they are a professional and have a track record of providing value. The 1% you are paying will be recouped on either better returns, reducing exposure and volatility in a downturn, tax maximization, financial planning, and meeting your financial goals.

Is 2% fee high for a financial advisor?

Industry standards show that financial advisor fees generally range between 0.5% and 1.5% of AUM annually. Placement of a 2% fee may appear steep compared to this average. However, this fee might encompass more comprehensive services or cater to more unique, high-maintenance portfolios.

What is a red flag for a financial advisor?

Look for financial planners who are fiduciaries, which means they have a legal duty to look out for your best interests. "If a 'financial planner' offers the same advice or products without tailoring their recommendations to your individual goals, that's a red flag," says Lawrence.

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27 related questions found

How do I know if my financial advisor is bad?

Here are some signs you have a bad financial advisor:
  1. They are a part-time fiduciary.
  2. They get money from multiple sources.
  3. They charge excessive fees.
  4. They claim exclusivity.
  5. They don't have a customized plan.
  6. You always have to call them.
  7. They ignore you or your spouse.

What to avoid when hiring a financial advisor?

Here are seven mistakes to avoid when hiring a financial advisor.
  • Consulting with a “captive” advisor instead of an independent advisor. ...
  • Hiring an individual instead of a team. ...
  • Choosing an advisor who focuses on just one area of planning. ...
  • Not understanding how an advisor is paid. ...
  • Failing to get referrals.

Is 1 percent too much to pay a financial advisor?

On average, financial advisors charge between 0.59% and 1.18% of assets under management for their asset management. At 1%, an advisor's fee is well within the industry average. Whether that fee is too much or just right depends entirely on what you think of the advisor's services and performance.

What does Charles Schwab charge for a financial advisor?

At Schwab, there's no cost to work with your Financial Consultant. ² There's no cost whether you're getting assistance in creating your personalized plan, or receiving tailored product recommendations and direct access to our specialists.

Can you negotiate financial advisor fees?

Financial advisor fees may be negotiable. Whether you're able to get fees reduced can depend on which advisor or firm you're working with. If an advisor is willing to negotiate fees, they must specify that in their Form ADV.

Is 1% brokerage fee high?

The standard commission for full-service brokers today is between 1% to 2% of a client's managed assets. For example, if a client has a $500,000 portfolio, they can expect to pay their broker $5,000 to $10,000 annually. A 12B-1 fee is a recurring fee that a broker receives for selling a mutual fund.

At what net worth should I get a financial advisor?

However, in general, it's wise to start working with a financial advisor or wealth management team once you've built a nest egg of $1M in investable assets.

What financial advisor has the lowest fees?

Robo-advisors are typically the least expensive, followed by online financial planners. An in-person advisor will be the most expensive and may charge you more than 1 percent of your assets annually.

Is it really worth it to have a financial advisor?

Hiring a financial advisor can seem like an unnecessary expense but they often save you money in the long run. If you choose to hire a financial advisor, make sure all their fees are transparent before you sign. A financial advisor is usually recommended when their fee is less than what they save for you.

Should you put all your money with one financial advisor?

By hiring a single investment advisor, you receive more streamlined advice as only one person manages all your money matters removing any chance of conflicting advice or any disagreement. This also allows the chosen individual to clear up your doubts and offer guidance to you on how to best attain your financial goals.

Are financial advisor fees tax deductible?

While financial advisor fees are no longer deductible, there are things you can do to keep your tax bill as low as possible. For example, those strategies include: Utilizing tax-advantaged accounts, such as a 401(k) or IRA to invest.

What is a reasonable fee for a financial advisor?

On average, you can expect to pay between 0.5% and 2% of your total assets under management annually, $150 to $400 per hour, or a flat fee ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 for a comprehensive financial plan.

What is the minimum investment for Charles Schwab financial advisor?

The annual fee for Schwab Wealth Advisory starts at 0.80% of assets and decreases at higher asset levels (see chart). Enrollment minimum is $500,000.

Is Edward Jones a fiduciary?

Edward Jones serves as an investment advice fiduciary at the plan level and provides educational services at both the plan and participant levels, if applicable.

Is a 1% aum fee worth it?

If the financial advisor consistently delivers impressive returns, aids in achieving primary financial goals, or offers extensive financial planning services, the 1% fee may be well-justified. However, it is important to be mindful of the rising advisor rates, based on the size of your investments.

How many millionaires use a financial advisor?

In addition, millionaires are much more likely to work with a financial advisor (69%), more than double the amount of the general population (33%).

How much money should you have when getting a financial advisor?

If your investable assets are under $250,000, it's likely best to seek help from a financial planner and invest on your own until you build up a larger nest egg. The simple reason is that you get more value from your advisory firm as your assets grow and your financial situation becomes more complex.

What are the red flags for financial planners?

Unregistered Advisor: An advisor not registered with FINRA or the SEC is a major red flag and warrants a conversation. Lack of Contact: If you have not heard from your advisor in three years or more, it's a sign of neglect. If they don't answer their phone or respond to emails, it's time to look elsewhere.

What financial advisors don t want you to know?

12 Things Your Financial Advisor Doesn't Want You to Know
  • They are probably learning as they go. ...
  • They get paid to sell you more products and services. ...
  • There's a reason they want to see all your assets. ...
  • You may be able to negotiate your fees. ...
  • Good news isn't always good news. ...
  • You might not actually need them.