Although only a little more than a third of Americans currently work with a financial advisor, those who do report lower levels of financial anxiety in their lives as well as higher levels of happiness and better sleep, too.¹ If you work with one, have you thought about how to measure the value you receive for the fee you pay?

In this Q&A, we’ll give you tips for what you should expect from your wealth advisor. No matter what, communication is key, so if you’re not sure how your fee is being put to work, ask your wealth advisor and expect a transparent answer.

Q: Does Working With an Advisor Help My Portfolio’s Rate of Return?

A: It can. According to Fidelity, industry studies estimate that professional financial advice can add between 1.5% and 4% to portfolio returns over the long term, depending on the time period and how returns are calculated. Please refer to the source link provided below for more specific details and disclosures.²

Q: What Types of Services Should I Expect to Receive?

A: Most wealth advisors offer more than just investment oversight. For example, at Mariner, your advisor works closely with our in-house teams that offer individuals and businesses advice, including tax planning and preparation, estate planning, specialized business services, institutional cash management, retirement plan solutions, trust services, wealth planning, personal insurance solutions and investments. The goal is to create one, coordinated wealth plan for you that accounts for every aspect of your financial life.

Q: Can You Give Me Specific Examples of Services for High-Net-Worth Investors?

A: A wealth team offering comprehensive wealth management services can help you with:

These are just a few examples of wealth planning strategies designed to help you achieve your short- and long-term goals.

Q: Can I Expect My Wealth Advisor to Check In Periodically?

A: Yes, that is a reasonable expectation. When you initially meet with your wealth advisor or even well into the relationship, you should discuss how often to meet. Once a quarter? Twice a year? Annually? The frequency should be what works for you and, as you near retirement, it may be beneficial to meet more than once a year.

Q: What Are Some Overall Benefits of Meeting With an Advisor?

A: By periodically reviewing your wealth plan with your advisor, including a portfolio review and assessing progress toward saving enough to last your lifetime, you’ll likely have greater peace of mind about whether you’re on track to retire comfortably and leave a legacy for your heirs and favorite charities.

And, if you have a life change, such as divorce, marriage or the death of a spouse, your wealth advisor can help you adjust your financial plan, including making changes in beneficiaries, insurance coverage and tax filing status, as well as helping you navigate tax law changes to help minimize your tax burden. 

Q: Is Measuring an Advisor’s Value Subjective?

A: Yes, while certain tax planning strategies can provide a quantifiable benefit, there are many more subjective benefits. One aspect of working with an advisor that’s hard to quantify is the overall guidance they offer when encouraging you to stick with your long-term plan, versus reacting emotionally when the market faces a correction. Time out of the market or making changes amidst a correction could significantly impact your portfolio’s value over time. Your advisor can work with you to determine when rebalancing your portfolio makes the most sense.

Consult With Your Wealth Team

At Mariner your advisor follows our client-first mission, meaning they will listen first, understand your situation and help you determine your priorities, all to help you reach your short- and long-term goals.

Sources:

¹2022 Northwestern Mutual Planning & Progress Study

²Why Work with a Financial Advisor

There is no assurance that any plan, investment strategy, or that working with an advisor will be successful. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.

This is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be personal legal, investment, or tax advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or engage in a particular strategy. Nothing herein should be relied upon as such. The information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but Mariner Wealth Advisors does not warrant the accuracy of the information and there is no guarantee that any claims made will come to pass. Please consult a financial, tax, or legal professional for specific information related to your own situation before making any financial-related decisions.

Some services listed in this piece are provided by affiliates of MWA and are subject to additional fees. Additional fees may also apply for tax planning and preparation services. Some advisers are licensed insurance agents and may be compensated for the sale of insurance-related products through an affiliated insurance agency.

Investment strategies that are ESG or SRI focused may result in foregoing certain investment opportunities. The exclusion of certain investments for reasons other than performance may negatively impact performance. Alternative investments are not appropriate for all investors and are generally speculative and involve a high degree of risk.

Mariner is the marketing name for the financial services businesses of Mariner Wealth Advisors, LLC and its subsidiaries. Investment advisory services are provided through the brands Mariner Wealth, Mariner Independent, Mariner Institutional, Mariner Ultra, and Mariner Workplace, each of which is a business name of the registered investment advisory entities of Mariner. For additional information about each of the registered investment advisory entities of Mariner, including fees and services, please contact Mariner or refer to each entity’s Form ADV Part 2A, which is available on the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.