Not only can talking about money be uncomfortable, but the intricacies of how financial advisors work can seem overly complicated. This is likely one of the reasons that investors are confused by wealth management fees but don’t ask for clarification or details. Regardless of the complexities and awkwardness, it’s essential to understand what you’re paying and how these fees impact your investments’ net performance.
Our team of advisors feels that it is critical for our clients and potential clients to understand how we work, what we charge, and that it’s easy to do business with us. We place a high priority on honesty and transparency and strive to make the financial planning process streamlined, economical, valuable, and meaningful. We understand how precious your time is, and we want to make our time together as efficient and rewarding as possible. Here’s a look into how we work and what you can expect.
How We Work
Simple 3-Step Process
STEP 1: 30-Minute Fit Meeting: Are we a good fit for you? Are you a good fit for us?
STEP 2: Goal-Setting Meeting: We discuss your situation and begin building a customized plan.
STEP 3: Plan Presentation: After completing these three steps, there are three options for working together.
OPTION 1: Planning Only
Our team will develop a personalized financial plan and investment strategy, which we will provide customized to your specific situation, goals, and risk tolerance. We will then meet with you quarterly to advise you on implementing that strategy on your own.
OPTION 2: Investment Management
Our team will build on the planning process by working with you to establish investment accounts, transfer assets, and implement investment models based on the investment plan we established with you. You will have access to regular review meetings with your advisor as well as our ongoing educational workshops and programs.
OPTION 3: Guidance
Our team provides the Investment Management relationship shown above in addition to a very interactive ongoing planning relationship that includes our PAL (Priority Action List) to keep you on track with your goals based on our in-depth Honest Conversation process. Our team will also work with you to develop your personal legacy plan, which gives you confidence that your hard-earned money will ultimately be distributed according to your wishes.
What We Charge
Planning Only Fees
The planning only fee is typically around $2,500 annually, depending on the complexity of your situation. At the goal-setting meeting, we define your exact fees and what we will provide for those fees. You then pay quarterly as we advise you in executing your plan. You may discontinue or upgrade to the Investment Management or Guidance program at any time.
Investment Management Fees
If you decide to hire our team at this level, we waive the planning only fees. Our team will move forward at that time to implement your investment plan.
Standard Fee Schedule
$0 - $250,000 = 2%
$250,000 - $500,000 = 1.5%
$500,000 - $1M = 1.25%
$1M - $2M = 1%
$2M - $3M = .9%
$3M - $5M = .8%
$5M - $8M = .7%
$8M - $10M = .6%
> $10M = .5%
* Average IM fee in the U.S. at $1,000,000 is 1.02%. (Reference Indigo Marketing Agency)
Guidance Fees
Guidance is an additional .25% above the Standard Fee Schedule.
It’s Easy to Get Started!
Our greatest hope is that you will feel confident and secure in our process and in what you pay for our services. At SFG we use the phrase “Work hard. Plan smart. Live well.” We believe you have worked hard for your money. We believe we can help you plan smart. Ultimately, we believe that financial planning is a critical step in helping you live well. It doesn’t have to be a heavy burden. We can help. Get started today by clicking here to schedule an introductory 15-minute phone call or call us at 260-436-7006. See where it could take you!
For more complete information surrounding fees and fee structure, please review the USA Financial Securities Form ADV. The investments selected to implement the plans created may charge fees in addition to those fees described herein. Examples of these fees would include up-front commissions or money management fees charged by third-party money managers. These fees may vary depending on the investments selected to fulfill the recommendations of the plan.
The fees described herein are reflective of only Shelton Financial Group’s management fees, and may not include various fees related to an account, including custodial fees, platform fees, etc.