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Understanding Financial Advisor Fees

Let us demystify financial advisors’ fees, providing insights directly from Willow CERTIFIED ADVISORS. By understanding these fees, you can make more informed decisions that align with your financial goals.

Asset Under Management (AUM) Fees

What It Is: AUM fees are a percentage of the total assets a financial advisor manages on behalf of the client. Typically, this fee ranges from 0.25% to 1% per year.

Why Advisors Use It: Willow CERTIFIED ADVISOR [Advisor’s First Name] [Advisor’s Last Name] explains, “AUM fees align the interests of the advisor and the client. As the client’s portfolio grows, so does the advisor’s compensation. This model motivates advisors to focus on growing their client’s assets.”

Hourly Fees

What It Is: Advisors charge a fixed hourly rate for their services, which can vary widely depending on the advisor’s experience and expertise.

Why Advisors Use It: Willow CERTIFIED ADVISOR [Advisor’s First Name] [Advisor’s Last Name] states, “Hourly fees provide flexibility for clients who need advice on specific financial questions or projects. It’s a transparent way to access professional guidance without a long-term commitment.”

Fixed Fees

What It Is: This fee structure involves a flat rate for a defined package of services, which could include financial planning, investment advice, or other financial services.

Why Advisors Use It: Willow CERTIFIED ADVISOR [Advisor’s First Name] [Advisor’s Last Name] remarks, “Fixed fees offer clients predictability and simplicity. They know exactly what services they’ll receive and at what cost, making financial planning more accessible.”

Commission-Based Fees

What It Is: Advisors earn commissions on products they sell or trades they execute on behalf of their clients, such as mutual funds, insurance policies, or stocks.

Why Advisors Use It: Willow CERTIFIED ADVISOR [Advisor’s First Name] [Advisor’s Last Name] justifies, “Commissions allow advisors to offer their expertise to clients at a lower upfront cost. It enables us to recommend products that fit the client’s needs while being compensated by the product providers.”

Performance-Based Fees

What It Is: These fees are tied to the performance of the client’s investments and are usually a percentage of the investment gains.

Why Advisors Use It: Willow CERTIFIED ADVISOR [Advisor’s First Name] [Advisor’s Last Name] explains, “Performance based fees ensure that the advisor’s goals are directly aligned with the client’s success. If the client’s investments do well, the advisor is rewarded, promoting a focus on achieving high returns.”

Subscription Fees

What It Is: A relatively new model where clients pay a regular subscription fee for ongoing financial advice, which could be monthly, quarterly, or annually.

Why Advisors Use It: Willow CERTIFIED ADVISOR [Advisor’s First Name] [Advisor’s Last Name] says, “Subscription fees make financial advice more accessible and predictable for clients, especially younger investors who prefer regular, ongoing support for a set fee.”

Hybrid Fees

What It Is: A combination of any of the above fee structures tailored to suit the specific needs of both the advisor and the client.

Why Advisors Use It: Willow CERTIFIED ADVISOR [Advisor’s First Name] [Advisor’s Last Name] notes, “The hybrid model offers the best of both worlds, allowing us to provide flexible, comprehensive services that meet our clients’ unique financial situations.”

Choosing a Fiduciary Financial Advisor

Fiduciary financial advisors are professionals legally and ethically required to act in their client’s best interests. This fiduciary duty is a stringent standard of care, distinguishing fiduciaries from other types of financial advisors who may operate under a suitability standard, which only requires that recommendations be suitable
for the client’s financial needs but not necessarily the best option.

Key Characteristics of Fiduciary Financial Advisors:
Impact on Client Relationships
Matching With a Fiduciary Financial Advisor

All Willow CERTIFIED ADVISORS are Fiduciary Financial Advisors.

Let us match you with Willow CERTIFIED ADVISOR based on your financial situation, goals, and current life journey.