Topic

How financial advisors work

Before you hire an advisor, it helps to know how the relationship runs day to day: how much money a firm expects, who decides the trades, and what the firm reports about it. These guides explain each choice in plain English and show where to check it in the firm's own Form ADV.

Fees and costs

How advisors work

Start here

SEC data

How Much Money Do You Need for a Financial Advisor? What 9,212 SEC Filings Show

There's no legal minimum. SEC data on 9,212 advisory firms shows the typical account size for everyday clients, and how to find a firm's minimum.

October 2, 2026

Fees and costs

Start here

Fee-Only vs Fee-Based vs Commission: What Those Labels Actually Mean

Fee-only, fee-based, and commission describe how a financial advisor gets paid. Plain-English definitions, examples, and how to verify on IAPD and Advisable.

October 2, 2026

Fees and costs

Start here

How to Read an Advisor's Fees on Form ADV (First-Timer Walkthrough)

First-timer walkthrough of Form ADV fees: Form CRS, brochure fee section, IAPD, and questions to ask before you hire.

October 2, 2026

Fees and costs

SEC data

When Your Advisor Says "Wait," Ask How They Get Paid

A Ramsey Show caller's advisor told her to wait. See how advisor pay shapes advice, what a 1% fee costs over time, and what to ask.

October 2, 2026

Fees and costs

SEC data

What Is a Wrap Fee Program? What SEC Data on 9,784 Firms Shows

A wrap fee bundles advice and trade execution into one asset-based fee. See how common wrap programs are in SEC filings, and how to read the wrap brochure.

October 2, 2026

Fees and costs

SEC data

What Does a 1% Advisor Fee Actually Pay For? A Checklist, Plus What 39 SEC Brochures Say

At some firms a 1% fee includes financial planning. At others it buys portfolio management only. A checklist, real Form ADV examples, and SEC data.

October 2, 2026

How advisors work

SEC data

Discretionary vs Non-Discretionary Advisors: Who Makes the Trades?

Discretionary authority means the firm can decide the trades. Non-discretionary management means the firm recommends and you approve each trade. Here is how common each one is in SEC filings.

October 2, 2026

Fees and costs

SEC data

How Advisors Charge: Hourly, Flat Fee, Subscription, or Percent of Assets

Advisors charge by the hour, a flat fee, a subscription, or a percent of the money they manage for you. Here is what each one means and how to find one.

October 8, 2026

Keep reading

Related guides

Look up a firm

Search Advisable, then check the firm’s own filings with these guides.

Find an advisor