What is a Fee-Based Investment?

Financial planning can be challenging and complex. It requires you to look at multiple aspects, including research, comparison, and making the right choice based on your specific goal, age, and risk appetite. While you may or may not have the time or resources to make a judgment, a financial advisor can help you pick the right product.

Optimal financial management and professional advice are the prime advantages of hiring a financial advisor. The advisor charges a fee for the multitude of services that he provides. The fee model can differ for different advisors and the type of services you choose. Some advisors charge a commission, others a flat fee. Some may also charge you by the hour or a percentage of the assets they manage for you. You can select any of these options based on your income, budget, and other preferences. However, before you make a choice, it is essential that you know and understand the different fee models used by professional financial advisors.

This article talks about fee-based wealth management and financial advice and what you can expect if you opt for it.

What are fee-based financial services?

A fee-based investment is a payment model where you pay a sales commission and an additional flat fee to the financial advisor for the financial advice and recommendations they offer. These types of advisors are known as fee-based financial advisors. You can commonly hire them from a bank, insurance company, mutual fund house, etc.

Here's an example to understand how fee-based financial advisors work:

Consider a scenario where you hire a fee-based investment advisor. The financial advisor charges you a flat 1% annual commission on your assets under management. Assets under management (AUM) refer to the investment products the financial advisor manages or handles for you. So, if the value of your assets at the end of the year is $1,000, the advisor will charge 1% of this, which is $10. In addition to this, the advisor will charge a commission on every trade carried out from your account. So, say you bought ten stocks for $100, and the advisor charges 1% for each trade. In this case, you will pay $1 for every transaction.

The fee will remain constant for the year irrespective of the transaction you make, while the commission will differ based on the number of trades. Moreover, you will pay the commission at the agreed-upon frequency for as long as you hold the investment. Another thing to note here is that financial advisors can charge a commission annually, quarterly, or monthly. They may even charge an hourly commission. There are no fixed rules here, and there is enough flexibility for you to figure out a plan that suits your income and budget.  

In most cases, the investment commission can range from 1% to 3%. This covers all services the financial advisor provides, including research, monitoring investments, assessing your risk appetite to figure out appropriate investment products, and more. Financial advisors also accept commissions from the companies whose products they recommend. For instance, if the financial advisor recommends a mutual fund scheme, they may receive a commission from the mutual fund house.

Benefits of fee-based investment advice

Here are some advantages of hiring a fee-based investment advisor:

1. More attention:

The financial advisor has a direct interest in your investment as it determines their income. These financial advisors charge a fixed percentage of your assets under management. Hence, the higher the value, the more they can earn. As a result, they are more inclined to work in your favor and do all they can for your investment to grow. This means they would recommend investment products that are likely to garner higher returns. This, in turn, helps you earn more and reach your targets sooner. Since these professionals have a vested interest, they are also more likely to monitor your investments with greater detail and attention. They would be more cautious and ready to take action if things are not going as planned.

2. No surprises:

Fee-based financial services charge a fixed commission that is decided at the beginning of the agreement. While you pay additional fees on each trade, the primary portion of the payment is fixed and remains the same for the entire contract length. There are no surprises or hikes during the term. This helps you plan your other financial expenses better. There is no overlapping of costs. Additionally, fee-based financial services are very transparent. There are no hidden expenses or costs charged apart from the stated ones.

3. Ongoing support and guidance: 

Fee-based advisors may offer ongoing support to help clients stay on track with their financial goals. A fee-based financial advisor does not offer one-time advice but rather continued one. You can reach out to them multiple times during the term of your contract. You can also consult them if there has been a change in your professional or personal life, and you need that to reflect in your financial plan. For example, say you get a bonus at work and want to invest it. You can reach out to your financial advisor for guidance. Similarly, events like a divorce may impact your finances. You may have to get a new house, which can be an expected expense. In this case, you may have to alter your investment plan accordingly. A financial advisor can help during such situations.

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4. Comprehensive financial advice: 

Fee-based advisors may provide a broader range of services, including financial planning, retirement planning, and tax planning, in addition to investment advice. So, their role in your life is not limited only to investments. You can also consult them for tax planning and understand how your choice of investments or withdrawals affects your tax liabilities. They also provide retirement planning services and help you plan for your long-term needs. Additionally, you can also consult them on matters like estate planning, education planning, healthcare planning, insurance planning, and more.

Cons of fee-based investment advice

Even with all the advantages, there may be some disadvantages to hiring a fee-based investment advisor:

1. Cost:

Fee-based investment advice can be expensive if you have an extensive portfolio. The higher the value of your investments, the more the financial advisor will charge. Therefore, while your money grows, you also have to pay a higher commission, which can be concerning for some investors. The expenses can also be increased if you need a lot of personalized attention. Investors just starting out and needing constant financial support may end up paying more. The cost is definitely a barrier for a lot of investors. Covering the fee and commission can be challenging if you are on a tight budget or are just starting out. This is one of the reasons why people do not follow through with their agreements and end up ending their contracts pretty soon.

2. Potential conflict of interest: 

Fee-based advisors may have conflicts of interest when it comes to recommending investments. Since fee-based investment advisors receive commissions from other companies and mutual fund houses for recommending their products, you may not be sure if their advice is authentic or not. In some cases, they may be more likely to recommend investments that generate higher fees for themselves, rather than those in the client's best interest. Experienced investors may be able to judge these situations better. However, young investors can be taken advantage of.

However, hiring a fiduciary is an excellent way to ensure this does not happen. Financial advisors with a fiduciary duty are legally bound to act in your favor which is why they can be trusted to make the right choice. It can also help to hire a financial advisor from a reputed fee-based wealth management firm. A trusted and well-known firm is likely to hire experienced, ethical, and knowledgeable professionals, so you have nothing to worry about.

3. Limited transparency:

It can sometimes be challenging to understand precisely how much you are paying for fee-based investment advice and what services you are getting in return. Since financial advisors help you with a number of concerns and topics, right from tax planning, investment planning, retirement planning, insurance, and more, you can easily be confused with the pricing model. This lack of transparency can make it hard to compare different advisors and choose the one that is right for you. Further, if the financial advisor is acting out of personal vested interest, they will offer a limited range of investment options and services, which may not be suitable for you. This can be a problem for those who have specific investment goals or preferences. However, as mentioned in the previous point, it helps to hire a fiduciary.

4. No guarantee of success: 

As with all investment products and financial advisors, there is no guarantee of success. Fee-based investment advice does not guarantee that you will achieve your investment goals in the stipulated time. It is important to remember that all investments carry some level of risk and that past performance is not indicative of future results. And it always helps to take matters into your own hands and educate yourself to be able to make decisions. While hiring a financial advisor is essential, you can be in better control of your money by being more aware. This way, you are more equipped to filter the good advice from the bad and can hold the financial advisor accountable if they are not able to deliver per your needs and future objectives.

Other types of financial advisors

Apart from the fee-based investment advisor, there are several other options in the market too. You can browse through these types and pick a suitable professional:

1. Asset-based financial advisors

An asset-based financial advisor does not get any commission for the products they recommend or manage for you. They only charge a fee for the services they offer. These professionals charge a flat fee hourly, quarterly, or annually. They may also charge a fixed percentage of the value of the assets they manage for you. However, the most striking difference between asset-based and fee-based financial services is that the former is not compensated by mutual fund companies, banks, or insurance companies for recommending their products. Most fee-only financial advisors are fiduciaries, which makes them a trusted and safe source for advice. You can expect unbiased advice from them and save money as you would pay a lower fee. These advisors are also known as fee-only financial advisors.

2. Commission-based financial advisors

These financial advisors only charge a commission for the products they recommend or sell or the accounts they open. For instance, insurance companies or mutual fund companies may pay financial advisors to recommend their products. Banks may pay these financial advisors for every account they open. These financial advisors may or may not be fiduciaries.

How to choose the right financial advisor

It is essential to pay attention to your needs and budget before selecting a financial advisor. Your interests, understanding of financial products, and general awareness can also play a role. A complete beginner can definitely benefit more from a financial advisor who is also a fiduciary. In contrast, more experienced investors can opt for any of the three types depending on their goals, budget, and preference.

To summarize

There is no right or wrong when it comes to picking a financial advisor. All that matters is picking someone you are comfortable with and someone who understands your investment perspective. It is also important to note that the disadvantages associated with some types of financial advisors are individual traits that may differ from person to person. Therefore, it is not recommended to stereotype anyone. Instead, it helps to communicate well. Make sure you interview the professional before hiring them. Convey your concerns and lay down clear directives. This can help the financial advisor understand your point of view. Additionally, you must also research well and compare different financial advisors in your area to pick the one most suited to your needs.

Use the free advisor match service to find a suitable financial advisor for your financial concerns and future goals. The tool matches you with 1-3 advisors in your area based on your answers to a few simple questions.