We calculate an “Estimated Annual Fee” for each advisor based on fee schedules from their Form ADV filings—official SEC disclosures that advisors are legally required to keep accurate.
How tiered fees work
Most advisors charge a percentage of your portfolio, with rates that drop as your balance grows. Each tier only applies to the money in that range—like tax brackets:
| Assets | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| $0 – $500K | 1.25% |
| $500K – $1M | 1.00% |
| $1M – $2M | 0.85% |
| $2M+ | 0.65% |
Some advisors charge flat annual fees instead—a fixed amount regardless of portfolio size. Both structures are shown on TrueAdvisor.
Why fees range from 0.75% to 1.5%
Higher fees usually mean more services bundled in: comprehensive financial planning, tax preparation, estate coordination, direct access to a senior advisor. Lower fees often cover investment management only, with planning available separately or not at all.
What's not included in the estimate
- Fund expenses: ETFs and mutual funds charge their own fees (0.03%–0.75%)
- Account minimums: Many advisors require $250K–$500K to start
- Negotiation: Larger portfolios often get reduced rates
- Separate planning fees: Some advisors charge for financial plans on top of AUM fees
Compare real fees
Enter your portfolio size to see personalized fee estimates. You can also filter by maximum fee on the search page.