Advisors send a proposal or fee quote after the discovery meeting and before the client signs the advisory agreement. Prospects compare your fee against other advisors, robo-advisor options, and the cost of staying on their own. The quote should explain what the client gets for the fee and how it is calculated.
When to use estimates: Use estimates to provide project quotes and get client approval before starting work. Once approved, convert your estimate to an invoice with one click to collect payment.
Create an invoice for payment collection
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Invoice_1001_Client_2026-10-14.pdf
Planning scope varies widely, and clients assume a plan covers everything unless you say what it does not.
Sets expectations for the kickoff meeting, plan presentation, and follow-ups so the work does not become open-ended.
Statements, tax returns, and benefit documents drive the timeline, and delays on the client side should not delay your fee.
Show whether the fee is flat, hourly, retainer, or AUM, and give the first-year total so the client can compare.
Tax return preparation, legal drafting, insurance sales, and investment implementation are often separate, and you should list them to avoid scope disputes.
Clarify whether you place trades, manage accounts, or hand over the plan for the client to carry out.
A set expiration date, such as 30 days, and a note that engagement begins on signing the advisory agreement keeps the proposal clear and compliant.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly financial planning or consultation | per hour | $200-400 |
| Comprehensive financial plan (one-time) | flat fee | $2,000-6,000 |
| Ongoing planning retainer | per month | $200-600 |
| One-time investment portfolio review | flat fee | $500-1,500 |
| Roth conversion or tax-planning analysis | flat fee | $500-2,000 |
| Retirement income projection and Social Security timing analysis | flat fee | $500-1,500 |
| Assets under management fee (for reference, usually deducted by custodian) | percent of assets per year | 0.50%-1.25% |
| Workplace retirement plan consulting for small employers | per year | $2,500-10,000 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Ask about accounts, income sources, business ownership, and equity compensation before you give a number. Complex households take far longer than a simple one.
A one-time plan, a plan with a year of check-ins, and an ongoing retainer let clients choose without you discounting your rate.
Explain the deliverables, such as a retirement income plan and an action list, rather than just listing hours. Flat-fee clients care about results.
Add to the base fee for multiple properties, stock options, trusts, or a business sale. State the surcharges in the quote so the price is not a surprise.
Many advisors do for 30 to 60 minutes to confirm fit and scope the work. Make clear that the free meeting is not a planning session and that paid work starts after the agreement is signed.
A written quote is normally a proposal until the client signs the advisory agreement. Put the quoted fee and scope in that agreement, and note that substantial scope changes will be priced separately.
You can for hourly or hard-to-scope work, such as a business owner with multiple entities. For standard plans, a fixed fee is clearer and easier for prospects to accept.
Use the Financial Advisor invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Financial Advisor invoice template