Why fee models matter
How a professional is paid may affect what they help with and how often you meet.
Choosing a Financial Professional
How to compare fee models before choosing a professional
Plain-language overview of fee-only, flat fee, hourly, AUM, and commission compensation.
4 min readRelated pros: Financial Planner, CPA
- Active Duty
- Reserve & Guard
- Retired / Veteran
Resources are for general educational purposes and may not apply to your specific situation.
Common models in plain language
These are general descriptions, not endorsements of any one model.
- Fee-only: paid by the client only
- Flat fee: a single project or annual fee
- Hourly: paid for time worked
- AUM: a percentage of assets under management
- Commission: paid by product sponsors
What to consider
Fit depends on your situation. A short fit conversation may help.