Question 1

How much does a financial advisor cost in St. Johns County?

Accepted Answer

Advisors who charge a percentage of assets typically bill about 0.75 to 1.25 percent a year in 2026, with lower rates on larger accounts. Flat-fee planners charge roughly 2,500 to 7,500 for a comprehensive plan or 4,000 to 12,000 a year for ongoing planning. Hourly advice runs 200 to 450. Commission-based advisors are paid through the products they sell, which should be disclosed.

Question 2

What is the difference between fee-only and fee-based?

Accepted Answer

Fee-only advisors are paid only by you, through asset fees, flat fees or hourly, and accept no commissions. Fee-based advisors charge fees and can also earn commissions on insurance or investment products. The terms sound alike on purpose. Ask the advisor to state in writing whether they or their firm receive any compensation from third parties.

Question 3

Do I need a financial advisor if I just retired to St. Augustine?

Accepted Answer

Not everyone does, but the first few years of retirement carry the most expensive decisions: when to claim Social Security, how to sequence withdrawals from taxable, IRA and Roth accounts, whether to do Roth conversions before required minimum distributions, and how to handle Medicare premiums tied to income. A one-time flat-fee plan from a fiduciary is a reasonable middle ground if you do not want ongoing management.

Question 4

How do I check if a financial advisor is legitimate?

Accepted Answer

Search the firm and the person on the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure site and on FINRA BrokerCheck. Confirm any CFP claim on the CFP Board's verify page. Read the firm's Form ADV Part 2, which explains fees and conflicts in plain language. If the person cannot be found on any of these, do not hand over money.

Question 5

Should I use an advisor at my bank or an independent firm?

Accepted Answer

Bank and brokerage advisors offer convenience and often lower minimums, but they usually sell their employer's products and may not be fiduciaries on every account. Independent registered investment advisers in Ponte Vedra Beach and St. Augustine are typically fiduciaries with custodians like Schwab or Fidelity holding your money. Compare the total cost and the conflict disclosures, not the brand name.

Question 6

What minimum do financial advisors in Ponte Vedra require?

Accepted Answer

It varies widely. Many established Ponte Vedra Beach wealth management firms set minimums of 500,000 to 1 million dollars in investable assets. Plenty of planners in St. Augustine and the north county work with 100,000 to 250,000, and flat-fee or hourly advisors often have no minimum at all. Ask about minimums in the first call to save everyone time.

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