The price of advice, made clearer

Small percentages.
Real dollars.

Put two fee proposals side by side. Understand what you entered, what is included, and what to ask about before deciding.

Compare the dollars. Then compare the service.

Example inputs are shown to get you started. These are not quotes from listed firms, typical prices, or a recommendation. Replace them with figures from your proposals.

Amount used to calculate asset-based costs ($)

Option AHow is advice priced?

Annual advisory fee (%)

Additional annual investment expenses (%)For example, an estimated weighted fund expense ratio. Enter 0 if included above to avoid double counting.

Other annual costs ($)One-time first-year costs ($)

Option BHow is advice priced?

Annual advisory fee ($)

Additional annual investment expenses (%)For example, an estimated weighted fund expense ratio. Enter 0 if included above to avoid double counting.

Other annual costs ($)One-time first-year costs ($)

What is included in the estimate
Cost component	Option A	Option B
Advice	$5,000	$3,000
Investment expenses	$750	$750
Other annual costs	$0	$0
Recurring annual total	$5,750	$3,750
One-time costs	$0	$0
First-year total	$5,750	$3,750

Inputs stay in this browser tab and are not saved or sent with a lead.

How this is calculated & what it leaves out

Percentage advice cost = entered asset amount × annual advisory percentage. Flat advice cost = entered annual fee. Hourly advice cost = entered hourly rate × entered annual hours. Investment expense estimate = the same asset amount × the additional annual expense percentage. Recurring total adds advice, investment expenses, and other annual costs; first-year total also includes one-time costs. Amounts are displayed rounded to whole dollars.

The balance stays constant for this illustration. There are no investment-return, tax, inflation, or compounding projections. Actual costs may use tiered rates, minimum fees, different billing periods, different asset bases, or additional charges. Confirm a written total with each provider. A lower estimate does not establish better advice or a better outcome.

Take these questions into the conversation

What are you getting for that fee?

Scope

Which planning work, meetings, and ongoing services are included?

Other costs

What charges could apply beyond this estimate?

Billing

Which assets and dates determine the amount I pay?

Relationship

Who would be my main contact, and when can we review the arrangement?

Learn more from the SEC’s Understanding Fees and our fee comparison guide.