Answer these 8 questions

Result: Flat-Fee fitResult: Hourly fit

Updated on July 3, 2026

Quick answer: choose a financial advisor fee model by matching the scope you need to the way you want to pay. If you are asking which fee model for a financial advisor is most cost-effective for managing a $500k portfolio, compare flat-fee, hourly/project, retainer, and AUM options in annual dollars for the same written scope, service calendar, and response-time standards. Use the rates chart first if you need a side-by-side dollar comparison.

This is most useful if you are deciding between a comprehensive planning relationship, a one-time second opinion, ongoing portfolio management, or an advisor intro where you want cleaner fee questions before the call.

Compare advisor rates Use fee calculator Model AUM tiers Check flat-fee scope Prepare advisor questions Fee-only advisor Fiduciary advisor

Answer these 8 questions

1) Do you primarily want a comprehensive written plan + reviews (not frequent trading)? Yes No

2) Do you prefer a predictable annual price? Yes No

3) Is your investable balance roughly ≥ $750,000? Yes No

4) Are you mostly tackling one or two targeted questions/projects right now? Yes No

5) Do you like to DIY and just want guidance/checklists? Yes No

6) Do you want ongoing discretionary portfolio management (advisor trades for you)? Yes No

7) Do your holdings change frequently or do you want continuous monitoring? Yes No

8) Is your budget tight and you want a small, capped engagement (NTE)? Yes No

We’ll recommend Flat-Fee, Hourly, or AUM based on your answers. Education only.

Compare the result before you book

Enter your numbers so you can compare models in annual dollars.
Translate AUM tiers to dollars (by-slice, not whole-balance).
Use negotiation scripts to request caps, breakpoints, or flat quotes.
Talk to a fiduciary advisor and confirm terms in writing.

Methodology: this quiz weighs planning scope, price predictability, balance size, DIY preference, discretionary portfolio management, monitoring needs, and budget caps. Education only; not legal, tax, or investment advice.

What the filings actually say. We measured the fee schedules 176 SEC-registered advisers publish in their Form ADV Part 2A filings: at $250,000 only 28.4% disclose a fee you can price at all, and the weighted median annual cost among those that do is $2,000 to $2,500. The full benchmark, with method.

Which Financial Advisor Fee Model Fits Me? 2026: AUM vs Flat

Guide and tool overview

Answer these 8 questions

Result: Flat-Fee fit

Result: Hourly fit

Result: AUM fit

Compare the result before you book

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