Meredith Wealth Planning operates as a fee-only firm. The intention of this business model was to remove conflicts of interest that commonly exist between financial advisors and their clients. To take it a step further, a flat fee structure was implemented. This removes the incentive of becoming an “asset-gatherer”.
Managing investment assets is a core service provided by the firm, but we do not charge based on the portfolio size. More assets under management does not always mean more time and resources.
A fee-only registered investment advisor cannot receive commissions for selling products. We have one source of revenue, the annual client fee. We are required to adhere to a fiduciary duty at all times with the client.
This helps remove the conflicts of interest when choosing the proper products to help implement a plan. The client no longer has to question whether an investment was recommended because it was in their best interests, or in the best interests of the person recommending it.
In the advisory industry many conflicts of interest continue to exist. Unfortunately, they are not readily apparent. To dig them up, one must thumb through countless pages of disclosure documents. While there are many good advisors working in the industry, their firm’s incentives are not always aligned with their client’s objectives. As Charlie Munger once put it “Show me the incentives, and I’ll show you the outcome”.
To understand how we are compensated at Meredith Wealth Planning, please visit the Pricing and Services page.