Clear Money Guide
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Open the inputs first, then use the guide outline to check assumptions and sources.
Updated: November 5, 2025
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Fiduciary = acts in your best interest at all times. Use this checklist to verify fee-only compensation, confirm “fiduciary at all times” in writing, and compare all-in dollars across AUM, flat, and hourly.
Fiduciary verification checklist (10 items)
- Fiduciary “at all times,” in writing. Ask for exact wording in the agreement.
- Fee-only compensation. No commissions or revenue-sharing (confirm in ADV).
- All-in dollars disclosed. Advisory + fund ER + platform/admin fees.
- AUM tiers are by-slice. Breakpoints shown at your balance (no whole-balance tricks).
- Flat/hourly quotes for the same scope. Use one written scope + SLAs for apples-to-apples.
- Hourly has a 2–3 hr NTE cap. Extra time requires prior written approval.
- Deliverables & SLAs in writing. What you get, when, email turnaround.
- Background checks clean. BrokerCheck/IAPD; confirm outside business activities.
- Billing on cash is fair. Idle cash/employer stock reduced or waived until invested.
- Conversion/Cap options. Dollar NTE for AUM or option to convert to flat at $X.
Then compare everything in annual dollars with the Fee Model Comparison and AUM Tier Calculator.
The checklist tells you what to ask. It does not hand you names.
When you have the checklist in hand, the next step is getting names to run it against. A matching service will introduce you to fiduciary advisors so you have a written comparison rather than a single quote.
Before you start, what actually happens. The form is run by Kapitalwise, our advisor-matching partner. Kapitalwise sends your details to advisers who pay for the introduction, so expect calls and texts. Clear Money Guide is paid when you submit the form, whether or not you ever hire anyone. The matching service is free to you and there is no obligation to hire anyone.
The Kapitalwise form opens here. You stay on this page.
What happens when you press the button
It requests contact details and phone verification by text. Nothing loads and nothing reaches Kapitalwise until you press the button. Submitting the form does not guarantee an adviser or a match.
Documents to collect
- Form ADV (Items 5, 12, 14) and current fee schedule
- Written scope & SLAs for your engagement
- AUM tier table (by-slice) and how cash/employer stock are billed
- Flat and/or hourly quote for the same scope (hourly with 2–3 hr NTE)
Copy-paste email
Subject: Fiduciary verification & documents Hi [Advisor Name], Please send the following for my review: • Form ADV (Items 5, 12, 14) and your current fee schedule • Written scope & SLAs for my engagement • AUM tiers shown by-slice at my balance, including billing on cash/employer stock • A flat annual quote and an hourly option with a 2–3 hour NTE for the same scope Also confirm you act as a fiduciary at all times. Thanks, [Your Name]
Red flags
- Won’t confirm “fiduciary at all times” in writing
- Whole-balance AUM math or vague breakpoints
- Refuses NTE on hourly or won’t define deliverables/SLAs
- Dodges fund/platform fees or bills full % on idle cash
What to do next
- Print this checklist and request the documents above.
- Compare AUM vs flat vs hourly in annual dollars for the same scope.
- Use negotiation scripts for caps, breakpoints, or flat quotes.
- Review fiduciary vs suitability examples and use the checklist before signing.
Education only; not legal, tax, or investment advice.