How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost?
Learn typical financial advisor fees, what affects the cost, and how to compare quotes and services.
Common jobs and what they cost
| Job | What it involves | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| One-time financial plan | Budget, goals, and recommendations | $500 - $2,000 |
| Ongoing financial planning | Periodic reviews and planning support | $1,000 - $5,000 per year |
| Investment management | Portfolio management and advice | $5,000 - $15,000+ per year |
Ranges are typical, not quotes - the price for your job depends on scope and location, so always confirm with the provider.
What moves the price
Fees depend on the advisor's service model, your investable assets, and the complexity of your finances. Some charge a flat planning fee, hourly rate, or annual retainer; others charge a percentage of assets under management. Tax planning, retirement income, estate coordination, business ownership, and multiple accounts usually increase the scope.
Location, credentials, meeting frequency, and whether the advisor provides investment management can also affect the quote. Ask what is included, how often you meet, and whether account fees, fund expenses, or commissions are separate.
How to keep the cost down
Request a written fee schedule before sharing account access, and compare flat-fee, hourly, and asset-based options. If you need a focused answer rather than ongoing management, a one-time plan or hourly consultation may cost less.
Prepare account statements, goals, tax information, and questions in advance so paid meeting time is productive. Check for minimum asset requirements and avoid paying for services you will not use. Comparing two or three quotes from independently reviewed providers on Reedleys shows quickly whether a number is fair.
Price questions, answered
Some require payment before beginning a plan, while others bill monthly, quarterly, or after each meeting. Ask when fees are due and whether the initial payment is refundable.
Quotes can cover very different services, from a single plan to continuing investment management. Advisor compensation, account size, financial complexity, and meeting access also affect the total.
Not always. Custody, fund expenses, trading costs, and planning fees may be separate, so request an estimate of the total cost of advice and investing.
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