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What percentage should you pay a financial advisor?

Traditional in-person financial advisors usually charge at least 1% of the AUM for advisory services. This fee is much lower for robo-advisor services. A financial advisor can provide you with valuable information about what you need to do with your money to reach your financial goals, such as investing in a Gold backed IRA account. But they don't offer their advice for free. The typical advisor charges clients for 1% of the assets they manage.

However, rates tend to decrease the more money you invest with them. You may be wondering if paying a financial advisor is worth it, but that answer is very personal to you. If you want help finding a financial advisor, try using the free SmartAsset search tool. These prices do not change depending on the total assets managed, so you only pay with the advisor for as long as you need.

As stated above, they can be a little lower at times, because this financial advisor also earns commission income. Fixed rates and hourly rates usually apply to financial planning or consulting services, as well as to special projects. Be sure to ask the financial advisor in advance if he will implement the plan for your investments on your behalf or if he will let you follow the details of the plan. If your financial advisor doesn't minimize these hidden costs, your investment gains and the growth you seem to have achieved will amount to much less than what a different financial advisor who is as obsessed with minimizing your costs as you are about maximizing your performance will earn.

Once you have a list of the services you would like to receive, review the fee structures offered by financial advisors. When looking for a financial advisor or deciding to stick with the one you already have, remember that what you are looking for is the advisor that offers the best value, which will not necessarily be the one with the lowest price. As you begin planning for life's biggest milestones, you should consider finding a financial advisor who specializes in the areas most important to you. They can also help you protect your assets with the right types of insurance and pass on your financial legacy with an appropriate estate plan.

Ideal for: If you want to avoid annual fees and don't mind paying for financial products (as long as you understand them), you can consider hiring a financial advisor who pays commissions. The percentage that financial advisors charge can vary considerably, so be sure to ask about their rates and any discounts when you prepare to hire an advisor. Since advisors receive a percentage of client assets, they have an interest in managing their clients' portfolios very well. This is why advisors who pay commissions may charge a slightly lower percentage than financial advisors who only pay commissions.

However, it is true that the percentage and fixed fees of the financial advisor are relatively easy to understand. For example, a financial advisor may offer fewer services than a CFP, but they probably won't charge as much.