Planners send a proposal or fee quote after an introductory meeting, once they understand the household's complexity and goals. Prospects often compare your fee against other advisors, robo-advice platforms, and the cost of doing nothing, so the quote needs to show what they get and how it is priced.
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
Upload logo
PDF will be generated with filename:
Invoice_1001_Client_2026-10-14.pdf
List retirement, cash flow, insurance, taxes, education funding, and estate coordination separately so the client knows what is and is not covered.
State whether the client receives a written report, a presentation, a retirement projection model, or an action list, so expectations match.
Planning typically runs three to eight weeks. Specifying meetings and delivery dates keeps the engagement from dragging on.
Tax returns, account statements, pay stubs, and insurance policies are needed to start. Delays on the client's side should affect the timeline, not your fee.
Clients often assume a plan includes implementing it. Make clear what is a separate service or requires another professional.
Show the total fee, how much is due at signing, and when the balance is due.
Presenting a follow-up retainer or annual review fee at the outset avoids surprises after the plan is delivered.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive financial plan (initial) | flat fee | $1,500-5,000 |
| Hourly financial planning consultation | per hour | $200-400 |
| Ongoing planning retainer | per month | $150-500 |
| Annual plan review and update | flat fee | $500-2,000 |
| Retirement income or Social Security analysis | flat fee | $500-1,500 |
| Equity compensation or stock option planning | per hour | $250-450 |
| Investment policy statement and portfolio review | flat fee | $750-2,500 |
| Financial coaching session for early-career clients | per session | $100-250 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Set a base fee for straightforward households and add fixed increments for rental properties, business ownership, equity compensation, or multiple pensions. This makes quotes consistent and easy to explain.
A $3,000 plan fee can feel large, while a split-payment option or ongoing retainer can make it easier to commit. Offer both only if you are willing to deliver either.
Estimate the hours you expect the plan to take and confirm the flat fee yields your target hourly rate. Present the flat fee to the client.
Fees depend on current workload and the client's financial situation. A 30-day validity period keeps quotes from being used months later.
Many planners offer a free 30 to 60 minute introductory meeting to determine fit and scope. After that, a paid engagement should be in writing. If the client wants detailed advice during the first meeting, consider charging for it.
A range is acceptable if the complexity is unclear, but a fixed fee is easier for clients to accept. If you quote a range, state what factors would move the final fee and require written approval above the upper end.
Include a clause that additional work outside the original scope, such as business valuation questions or multiple state tax issues, will be quoted separately or billed hourly with the client's approval.
For planners, the proposal usually needs to be accompanied by or converted into a formal advisory agreement and any required disclosures. Check what your registration and state rules require before work begins.
Use the Financial Planner invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Financial Planner invoice template