The Case for Flat-Fee Financial Advice: What You’re Really Paying For
In a world where pricing is often hidden behind layers of fine print and complicated structures, transparency is rare—and valuable. This is especially true when it comes to financial advice. If you're working with an advisor, do you know exactly how they're getting paid? More importantly, do you know if their compensation model aligns with your best interests?
At One Advisory Partners, we believe in making financial clarity the standard—not the exception. That’s why we’ve built our firm around a flat-fee model designed to eliminate conflicts of interest and build lasting trust.
What Is Flat-Fee Financial Advice?
Flat-fee financial planning means your advisor charges a transparent, fixed fee for their services. This fee is not tied to your assets under management (AUM), commissions from product sales, or the complexity of your financial situation. It’s straightforward, easy to understand, and—most importantly—aligned with your goals.
It’s different from:
AUM-based fees, where you pay a percentage (typically 1%) of your total portfolio annually, regardless of the level of service provided.
Commission-based models where advisors earn money by selling investment or insurance products—often incentivized to promote what's most profitable, not what's best for you.
Flat fees provide simplicity. You know precisely what you're paying for, and exactly what you're getting.
Why the Traditional AUM Model Falls Short
For years, the AUM model has been considered the industry standard. But it comes with downsides, especially for clients approaching or in retirement:
Misaligned incentives: Advisors earn more when clients keep more assets under management, which may discourage strategies like paying off a mortgage, gifting, or spending in retirement.
Inconsistent value: The amount of work your advisor does doesn’t necessarily change based on your portfolio size—but your fee does.
Unclear costs: A 1% fee on a $2 million portfolio is $20,000 a year. Many clients are unaware of the actual dollar amount they’re paying.
At One Advisory Partners, we recognized the need for a more effective, transparent approach—one that delivers genuine value without unnecessary complexity.
The Benefits of a Flat-Fee Model
Here’s why our clients prefer flat-fee financial planning:
1. Transparency
You’ll never wonder what you’re being charged—or why. Flat-fee pricing builds immediate trust and sets clear expectations.
2. Value-Based Service
Our fees reflect the value of the advice we provide, not the size of your account. This means clients receive comprehensive, personalized planning—not just investment management.
3. True Objectivity
Because we don’t earn commissions or asset-based incentives, our only priority is your financial success. Every recommendation is made with your best interest in mind.
4. Flexibility for Your Life
Our advice isn’t tied to how much money you have with us. Want to buy real estate, pay off debt, or invest outside our management platform? Great—we’ll help you do it in a way that aligns with your goals.
What You’re Really Paying For
When you work with a flat-fee fiduciary advisor like One Advisory Partners, you’re not paying for transactions. You’re investing in:
Strategic income planning for retirement
Tax-smart withdrawal strategies and Roth conversion timing
Investment alignment with risk tolerance and lifestyle goals
Estate planning coordination with attorneys and tax advisors
Long-term care and healthcare analysis
Ongoing reviews and adjustments as your life evolves
Our clients don’t just get a plan—they get a team. A team that listens, educates, and partners with them every step of the way.
Who Benefits Most From Flat-Fee Advice?
While anyone can benefit from greater clarity and alignment, we find flat-fee planning is especially valuable for:
Retirees and pre-retirees looking for predictable costs and holistic guidance
High-net-worth individuals who want to avoid bloated AUM fees
Professionals and entrepreneurs with complex planning needs and multiple assets across accounts or entities
If you’ve ever wondered whether your advisor is working for you or for a payout, you’re not alone. Our clients come to us looking for something better. And they stay because they’ve found it.
One Advisory Partners: Where Advice Meets Integrity
Our commitment to a flat-fee model is just one way we live our values. As a fiduciary, fee-only firm, we are fully independent, meaning we’re not beholden to Wall Street incentives or product sales. We built One Advisory to raise the standard in retirement planning—and transparent pricing is foundational to that mission.
We believe clients deserve to know exactly what they’re paying for—and why it matters.
Let’s Redefine What Financial Advice Should Look Like
If you’re ready to experience transparent, objective financial guidance, we’re here to help. Contact One Advisory Partners for a no-pressure consultation and see how flat-fee planning could change your financial future.
