Flat Fee
Our Flat-Fee, Fee-Only Pricing
PDS Planning is a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm based in Dublin, Ohio, serving individuals and families throughout the Columbus area since 1985. Instead of charging a percentage of your assets, we charge a flat, fixed-dollar annual fee based on the services we provide and the complexity of your situation. Your fee doesn’t rise simply because your portfolio grows or you add to your savings, and we never receive commissions.
Most financial advisors charge a percentage of your assets, usually around 1%. That may sound small, but over time, it adds up to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. With PDS Planning, what you see is what you pay: a flat, fixed-dollar fee designed to reflect the real value of our work, not how much money you have.
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…but that’s likely not all you are paying.
fees on the additional dollars you contribute each year
fees on the growth of your portfolio
fees for products your advisor recommends
PLEASE NOTE: Limitations. The above is for illustration purposes only. The Traditional Planner fee estimate is based on Advisory HQ’s independent 2021 average financial advisors fee report. Although fees impact investment performance, no specific fee structure can produce positive investment returns. To the contrary, different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended and/or undertaken by PDS Planning, Inc.) will be profitable.
Surprised?
See how our flat fee compares.
What We Do
Comply with a fiduciary duty.
Have a transparent, flat-fee structure.
Talk in dollars, not percentages.
Work only for you.
What We Don't
Increase fees based on your contribution.
Increase fees based on your portfolio growth.
Receive commissions.
Charge hidden costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I expect to pay a financial advisor?
The cost depends on the advisor’s fee structure. Traditional advisors charge around 1% of your portfolio annually. At PDS Planning, we charge a flat, fixed-dollar fee that reflects the services you receive, not how much you’ve saved.
What is a flat fee financial advisor?
A flat fee financial advisor charges a fixed dollar amount instead of a percentage of your assets. This transparent model ensures you know exactly what you're paying and why.
How does PDS determine its flat fee?
Your fee is a fixed dollar amount based on the services we provide, the complexity of your situation, and the value we can add. It isn't tied to the size of your portfolio. We'll quote your fee after an initial consultation, so you know exactly what you'll pay before deciding to work with us.
Does my fee go up if my portfolio grows?
No. Because your fee isn't based on your portfolio's value, it doesn't increase when your investments grow or when you add to your savings. Like any service, fees may be adjusted over time for inflation or a change in the scope of work, but you'll know about any change and agree to it before it takes effect.
What's included in the flat fee?
Our flat fee covers comprehensive financial planning and ongoing investment management, including retirement, tax, estate, insurance, and charitable giving strategies. We don't prepare tax returns, but tax strategy is part of every plan we create.
Is flat fee better than percentage-based fees?
For many high-net-worth investors, yes. Flat fees often lead to significant savings over time, especially as your portfolio grows. It also reduces conflicts of interest.
Are financial advisor fees tax-deductible?
Financial advisor fees are generally not tax-deductible for individuals. However, tax strategies and planning are still a core part of the value we provide.
What does a fiduciary financial advisor do?
A fiduciary is legally obligated to put your best interests first. At PDS Planning, we go further by offering conflict-free advice and avoiding any commission-based sales.
How do I compare financial advisor fees?
You can compare fees by using our calculator above or asking for a fee breakdown. Be sure to include not only advisor fees but also any product, platform, or performance-based charges.
Can I switch from my current financial advisor if I’m unhappy with fees?
Yes. Many clients come to PDS after realizing their advisor’s fees are too high or unclear. We’ll help you make a smooth transition with no pressure.
Where is PDS Planning located?
Our office is at 475 Metro Place South, Suite 460, in Dublin, Ohio. We work with individuals and families throughout the Columbus area.
Don’t Pay More Simply Because You Have More Money.
