Why we use the AUM model
Our approach to AUM
We are fiduciaries.
As financial advisors, we are legally required to act in our clients' best interest. That means what is right for you comes before anything that might benefit your NWWP advisor or the firm — including how much money we make.
No commissions.
We don't sell anything. No proprietary funds, no insurance products.
We start with a plan, not a portfolio.
Before investing a dollar, we build a personalized financial plan around your income, goals, taxes, and life circumstances.
The plan evolves as your life does.
When major decisions come up, your advisor can help you think through the financial implications and update the plan as needed.
Quarterly billing that you can cancel anytime.
No upfront retainer, no annual contract. Fees are billed quarterly after service has been delivered and disclosed directly on the first page of your statements. If you decide to no longer work with us, there's no exit penalty.
Our fees are below the industry average.1
The typical advisory fee for portfolios under $1,000,000 is 1.00%. Our maximum advisory fee is 0.9% for portfolios starting at $100,000.
| Portfolio Size | Industry Typical 1 | Our Fee | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100K - $499K | 1.00% | 0.90% | 10% less |
| $500K - $999K | 1.00% | 0.80% | 20% less |
| $1M - $2.4M | 0.90% | 0.70% | 22% less |
| $2.5M - $4.9M | 0.90% | 0.60% | 33% less |
| $5M - $9.9M | 0.75% | 0.50% | 33% less |
| $10M+ | 0.60% | 0.40% | 33% less |
When AUM
may make more sense
Your advisor has skin in the game.
When your portfolio grows, so does our revenue. When it drops, so does ours. A flat-fee advisor earns the same regardless of how your investments perform.
The math often favors AUM for our clients.
At $250,000 and our 0.9% rate, the annual fee is $2,250. Industry flat-fee retainers typically run $4,000–$7,500 per year.¹ For the clients we tend to work with — who are actively building wealth — our AUM fee is often the more affordable option.
Unlimited access without watching the clock.
With our AUM model, you can call your advisor with a question, request a plan update, or work through a major decision without additional charges. Some flat-fee arrangements bill separately for additional meetings or out-of-scope work.
Ongoing engagement.
An advisor who is continuously involved with your financial picture may be better positioned to help you avoid reactive decisions — selling in a downturn, taking on outsized risk after a run of good returns — than one you see once a year.
Where flat fee may make more sense
Large portfolio, simple situation.
If your financial life is relatively straightforward — no business interests, no equity compensation, no complex tax picture — a flat-fee arrangement may deliver comparable planning at a lower cost.
You want a one-time plan, not ongoing management.
If you want a financial plan you'll execute yourself, a project-based or flat-fee engagement is likely the better fit.
You prefer to manage your own investments.
If you're comfortable handling your own portfolio and want occasional professional input, hourly or project-based advice may be sufficient.
| Feature | NerdWallet Wealth Partners | Flat Fee |
|---|---|---|
| What's included | Full investment management, direct access to your advisor. | Advice only; whether investment management is included varies. |
| Commitment | Cancel anytime; paid quarterly after service | Often upfront or annual contract |
| Fees | 0.4–0.9% of assets depending on AUM Annual AUM fee for $250K: $2,250 Annual AUM fee for $500K: $4,500 Annual AUM fee for $1M: $8,500 | Annual cost $2,500 - $9,200¹ |
¹ Industry typical data sourced from Kitces Research, How Financial Planners Actually Do Financial Planning (Vol. 2, 2024), Page 107