How much does a financial advisor cost, and is there a minimum?
It depends on how the advisor is paid. A 2026 industry survey put the average asset-based fee at 0.96% a year, hourly advice at $307 and a one-time plan at $2,926, and many firms set asset minimums. At The Pinnacle Group®, the Leak Score and Clarity Call are free, and your fee is quoted in writing before you hire.
What is a typical financial advisor minimum?
Many firms that charge a percentage of assets set minimums, often $250,000 or more. Flat-fee, hourly and one-time plans usually have no asset minimum. Ask for your total yearly cost in dollars, not only a percentage.
What costs do people miss?
Fund expenses, trading costs, insurance commissions and tax drag can sit on top of the advisory fee. Ask for every cost, all-in, in dollars per year.
Who does The Pinnacle Group® work with?
Most of the women we serve have between $250K and $5M in net worth. Not sure of yours yet? That is normal, and the free Leak Score is a good place to find out.
Watch: You're Paying What? The $40,000 Wealth Leak
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Where is your money leaking?
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Get my free Leak Score →Who answered this question
Dr. Pat Pachciarz® is a Private Wealth Advisor + Tax Strategist, CEPA®, and Founder & CEO of The Pinnacle Group®, with 20+ years in private wealth management, including J.P. Morgan Private Client Group. He serves Oswego and Aurora, IL, from Aurora, and virtually in all 50 states. Call 815-486-0722.
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