Flat-fee, hourly and advice-only financial planners: how they charge and who they fit
What a flat-fee plan costs
Among 94 advisory firms on Sam's List that publish a one-time flat fee, the median starting price is $3,000, and the middle half start between $2,000 and $5,000.
| What you pay for | Typical starting price (median) | Middle half of firms | Firms in sample |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-time flat fee — All firms | $3,000 | $2,000–$5,000 | 94 |
| Hourly rate — All firms | $250/hr | $200–$400 | 34 |
| Monthly fee — All firms | $500/mo | $250–$1,625 | 40 |
Based on starting prices that firms publish on their Sam's List profiles, as of November 10, 2026. Each firm counted once. Firms listed under more than one type are counted in each. Actual quotes depend on your situation. Fees shown are starting prices firms publish; they are not an offer, and the right fee depends on services and assets.
Short answer: Flat-fee and advice-only planners charge a set price for planning instead of a percentage of your investments. Common formats are a one-time plan, an annual or monthly retainer, or hourly sessions. They can fit people who want advice but prefer to manage their own investments, or whose assets would make a percentage fee expensive in dollars. Planners publish their fee schedules in Form ADV Part 2A if they are registered advisers.
How do flat-fee planners charge?
| Format | What you get | Fits when |
|---|---|---|
| One-time plan | A written plan and a few meetings | A specific event or a check-up |
| Retainer (annual or monthly) | Ongoing planning and questions answered | You want continuing advice |
| Hourly | Time on specific questions | Narrow questions |
| Advice-only | Planning, no investment management | You implement it yourself |
Flat fee or AUM fee: which costs less?
Compare total dollars, not percentages. An AUM fee rises with your assets; a flat fee does not. Use the fee calculator in flat-fee mode to compare both over the years you choose. Also compare services: AUM fees often include ongoing investment management that a planning-only fee does not.
Get matched with a financial advisor
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What should you ask a flat-fee planner?
- What exactly does the fee include, and how often do we meet?
- Do you manage investments, or do I carry out the plan?
- Are you a fiduciary, and are you paid by anyone besides me?
- How does the fee change if my situation gets more complex?
Browse fee-only advisors and financial planning, or read fee-only vs fee-based.
Frequently asked questions
What is a flat-fee financial planner?
A planner who charges a set price for planning, such as a one-time plan or an annual retainer, instead of a percentage of assets.
What is an advice-only financial planner?
A planner who gives advice but does not manage your investments; you carry out the plan yourself.
Is a flat fee cheaper than a 1% AUM fee?
It depends on your assets and the services included. Compare total dollars per year and what each fee covers.
Are flat-fee planners fiduciaries?
Registered investment advisers owe a fiduciary duty; confirm registration on IAPD and ask for fiduciary status in writing.
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Related on Sam’s List
Some professionals on Sam’s List pay for visibility or leads. Inclusion and order do not rank professionals. This page is general education, not investment, tax, or legal advice, and it does not recommend any adviser, product, or strategy. Check any professional on Investor.gov and FINRA BrokerCheck before you hire. Firm names are never shown on Get a quote matches.