Fees & pricing
What a Fee-Only Financial Advisor Costs in Dallas–Fort Worth
We publish all three of our pricing options on this page, because a fee-only fiduciary is paid by clients rather than by product commissions, and the easiest way to prove that is to show you the number before you ask.
Fee-Only and Fee-Based Are One Word Apart and Nothing Alike
The distinction sounds like industry vocabulary. It's the single most useful thing you can understand before hiring anyone.
A fee-only advisor is compensated by clients and only by clients. A fee-based advisor can charge you a fee and also collect commissions from the products they recommend. Both descriptions are legal, both sound reassuring, and only one of them removes the incentive to steer you toward a particular product. Our investment advisory services are fee-only.
Here's what that buys you in practice:
- You know the cost in writing before any work begins, with no fee that appears later.
- We hold no proprietary products, so nothing on our shelf pays us more than anything else.
- You choose the pricing model, whether that's a flat plan, a percentage of assets, or performance-based.
- You work directly with Hector Hinojosa, CFP®, and Josh Hinojosa rather than a service desk.
- The first conversation is complimentary and carries no obligation.
One honest caveat, because leaving it out would undercut the point of this page. Insurance products, including annuities and long-term care coverage, are insurance contracts and are compensated differently from the advisory fee schedule below. If we ever recommend one, you get that arrangement in writing alongside the product's costs.
This pricing covers the
wealth management and planning work described across the rest of the site, including the
Power of Zero tax repositioning process.
Choose the plan
Three Ways to Pay Us, and You Pick
Most people arrive at this page asking how much a financial advisor costs. The real answer is that it depends on which of these three you need, so here's how to tell.
Some clients want a comprehensive plan and nothing more, because they'd rather manage their own investments. Some want ongoing management and reviews. Some prefer their advisor's compensation to move with their account. In every case you see the full cost in writing before we begin, and you can change models later if your situation changes.
One note on the performance-based option. Regulators restrict performance-based advisory fees to clients who meet a
defined "qualified client" standard, measured by assets under management with the adviser or by net worth. We confirm eligibility in writing before any performance-based arrangement starts, which is why that tier says details and eligibility are discussed on request rather than publishing a rate.
1.000%/Annually
Investment Advisory Services
Typically 1.00% per year of assets we manage for you
Covers ongoing investment management, performance monitoring, regular reviews, and advice
Ex. On a $500,000 account, our fee is $5,000/year (billed quarterly, deducted directly from your account)
Percentage/ Account Gains
Performance-Based Fee
For qualified Texas clients, we offer a fee based on a percentage of your account gains
If your portfolio grows, we share in the upside; if it doesn’t, you pay less
Details and eligibility discussed upon request
$3,000*/Base
COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL PLAN only
One-time fee (e.g., $3,000 base) for a holistic electronic plan for those that want to manage themselves
Includes a full review of your goals, investments, taxes, insurance, retirement, estate needs, and an action checklist
Fee may be discounted or waived if you choose ongoing investment management with us
Cost Questions, Answered Before You Call
How much does a fee-only financial advisor cost in Dallas?
For ongoing investment management we typically charge 1.00% per year of the assets we manage, which works out to $5,000 a year on a $500,000 account, billed quarterly. If you'd rather have a plan without ongoing management, a comprehensive financial plan starts at a one-time $3,000 base fee. Qualified clients can also arrange a performance-based fee tied to account gains.
What's the difference between a fee-only and a fee-based financial advisor?
A fee-only advisor is paid by clients and nothing else. A fee-based advisor may charge a fee and also earn commissions on the products they sell you, which is a conflict you generally can't see from the outside. Ask any advisor directly whether they can receive commissions, and ask them to answer in writing.
Is a flat planning fee or a percentage of assets better for me?
A flat planning fee usually makes more sense if you have significant assets and intend to implement and manage the plan yourself, since a percentage fee on a large balance can substantially exceed the cost of the plan. A percentage of assets tends to fit better when you want ongoing management, rebalancing, and someone monitoring the plan as your life changes. We'll tell you which one costs you less.
Do I pay for the first meeting?
No. The first conversation is complimentary and carries no obligation, and a formal relationship only begins when there's a signed agreement. We use that meeting to determine whether we can actually improve on what you have.
Can the comprehensive plan fee be waived?
It can be discounted or waived if you choose ongoing investment management with us. We'd rather structure it that way than charge twice for overlapping work.
Are your fees negotiable, and what isn't included?
The published schedule is the schedule, and the reason we publish it is so nobody has to negotiate their way to a fair number. Third-party costs like fund expense ratios and custodian charges are separate from our fee and are disclosed before you engage us.
Know the Number Before You Commit to Anything
You've seen every option. Nothing here changes after you sign, and there's no fee that surfaces in month four.
Pick the model that fits you rather than the other way around, and tell us what you're trying to accomplish. Reach us through our
contact page or book directly below.