Strong take incoming: most people don't need a financial advisor, and paying 1% of AUM annually for one is a wealth-destroying decision for most retail investors.

Here's the math: 1% AUM fee on a $300,000 portfolio is $3,000/year. Over 20 years of retirement at 4% withdrawal rate, that's roughly $60,000 in fees paid directly, plus the compounding on that money you could have invested instead. The total cost approaches $100,000 in many scenarios.

What advisors are actually valuable for: complex tax situations, business succession planning, estate planning with significant assets, and behavioral coaching for people who would otherwise panic-sell. These are real needs. But for someone with a three-fund portfolio, no business ownership, and a straightforward estate, the main thing an AUM-based advisor does is charge you money.

If you want advice, pay for it. A fee-only CFP charges $200-400/hour or a flat fee for a financial plan. That's a one-time cost, not an ongoing 1% tax.