Updated July 7, 2026. Quick answer (2026): Financial advisor fees for a $500k portfolio are about $5,000/year at 1.00% AUM, $3,750/year at 0.75% AUM, and $2,500/year at 0.50% AUM before fund, platform, trading, tax-prep, or implementation costs. A flat annual, hourly, or project quote can be cheaper or more expensive depending on the planning scope.
Use this $500k portfolio guide to compare AUM, flat annual, retainer, hourly, project, and robo-supported quotes in dollars before an intro call. The key question is not only whether 1% is normal; it is what work is included for the annual cost.
Fast tools
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$500k portfolio advisor fee table
| Quote type | Example annual cost | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| 1.00% AUM | $5,000/year | Planning scope, fund/platform costs, meeting cadence, tax coordination, and whether implementation is included. |
| 0.75% AUM | $3,750/year | Whether the lower rate has a planning minimum, asset minimum, or lighter service model. |
| Flat annual planning | $3,000-$8,000/year | Written deliverables, investment help, tax coordination, follow-up rules, and renewal terms. |
| Hourly or project | $1,500-$5,000+ per project | Not-to-exceed cap, timeline, written plan, and whether implementation questions are included. |
Price the quote you were actually given
Enter the annual rate you were actually quoted. This prices it against the by-slice breakpoint schedule published on this site — one example schedule, not a market benchmark — and shows the difference in annual dollars. Neither figure includes fund expense ratios or platform layers.
When a $500k household should look past AUM
- When a percentage quote includes only light planning and portfolio allocation.
- When the main needs are a rollover review, retirement-income checkup, tax-aware withdrawal map, or one-time investment policy.
- When a flat annual or hourly/project advisor will provide a written plan, implementation checklist, and fiduciary advice for a clear capped price.
Related balances: $1 million portfolio advisor fees, $2 million portfolio advisor fees, and $3 million portfolio advisor fees.
At $500,000, ask what you get for the fee, not just what it is.
Half a million is above most firms' minimums, which means you have a choice of firms and therefore leverage. Ask each what they would charge on $500,000 and what is in scope.
Before you start, what actually happens. The matching service is run by WiserAdvisor, an independent advisor-matching company. It opens on their site, asks for your ZIP code and a few questions, and matches you with 2 to 3 vetted advisors. It is free to you.
WiserAdvisor states the service is built for portfolios of $250,000 and above. By submitting, you consent to emails, phone calls and text messages from WiserAdvisor and up to three advisors, so expect to be contacted. Clear Money Guide is paid when you complete the form, whether or not you ever hire anyone.
Compare fees, scope, conflicts, credentials and fiduciary duty before you hire anyone. This is not the only way to find an adviser.
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Methodology
- We convert common advisor percentage quotes into annual dollars for a $500,000 portfolio.
- We compare AUM against flat annual, retainer, hourly, project, and robo-supported pricing by first-year cost and written scope.
- This page was materially reviewed on July 7, 2026. Fee examples are educational, not personalized financial, tax, legal, or investment advice.
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