Financial Advisor Fee Calculator
See what advisory fees really cost you — including the compounding impact over 20 years.
| Annual Fee % | Annual Cost | 20-Year Total Cost | Lost Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5% | $2,500 | $96,696 | $184,564 |
| 0.75% | $3,750 | $140,911 | $270,449 |
| 1% | $5,000 | $182,550 | $352,321 |
| 1.25% | $6,250 | $221,740 | $430,358 |
| 1.5% | $7,500 | $258,604 | $504,730 |
Assumes 7% annual portfolio growth before fees. "Lost Growth" = difference in portfolio value after 20 years vs. paying 0% fee (self-managed). This illustrates the compounding drag of advisory fees.
Key Insight
On a $500,000 portfolio, the difference between a 1.0% and 0.5% fee is $85,854 over 20 years. That's not just the fee — it's the growth you lose on the money that went to fees instead of compounding.
How Does Your Fee Compare?
US Median: 0.95% for portfolios under $1M | 0.75% for $1M–$5M | 0.50% for $5M+
Fee-only advisors: typically 0.50%–1.0% (no commissions, fewer conflicts)
Robo-advisors: 0.25%–0.50% (automated, limited planning)
Source: SEC Form ADV filings, aggregated from 15,000+ registered advisory firms.