Fee-Only CFP®
Certified Financial Planner
A comprehensive financial planner who charges only fees (hourly, flat, or AUM) with zero commissions. Legally bound to a fiduciary standard 100% of the time.
- Compensation AUM (0.5-1.0%) or Flat Fee
- Minimums Typically $250k+
- Best For Comprehensive planning
Wealth Manager
Private Wealth / Family Office
High-touch service coordinating all aspects of financial life, often with in-house CPAs, CFAs, and estate attorneys. Built for complex, multi-generational wealth.
- Compensation AUM (0.5-1.0%)
- Minimums $1M - $5M+
- Best For Complex wealth coordination
Robo-Advisor
Algorithmic Management
Algorithm-driven investment management platforms, often with human advisor access at premium tiers. Excellent, low-cost option for the accumulation phase.
- Compensation AUM (0.15-0.35%)
- Minimums $0 - $100k
- Best For Simple investing
Broker-Dealer Rep
Stockbroker / Insurance Agent
Operates under a "suitability" standard. This allows them to recommend products that pay them higher commissions even if lower-cost alternatives exist. Not legally fiduciaries.
- Compensation Commissions / Hybrid
- Red Flag Proprietary products
- Fiduciary Status None
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