

A financial planner helps manage your overall finances, including budgeting, retirement, taxes, and insurance. An investment planner focuses specifically on creating and managing investment strategies to grow your wealth.
Choose an investment advisor by checking their credentials, experience, fee structure, fiduciary duty, and client reviews. Look for advisors registered with the SEC or state authorities.
The average fee for an investment advisor is about 1% of assets under management (AUM) annually. Some may charge hourly rates ($150–$400) or flat fees depending on services.
In the US, investment advisors don’t need a minimum net worth to serve clients. However, Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) managing over $110 million in assets must register with the SEC.
