Fee Transparency
What Does a Financial Advisor Really Cost?
Most investors are paying more than they realise — and receiving less. This page answers every question about how Davies Wealth Management is compensated. Every dollar. Every disclosure.
Total Annual Cost to Client (AUM %)
~2.25%
Advisory fee + hidden fund expenses
~0.50%
Low cost — no human advisor, no planning
Disclosed upfront
Competitive fee-based model — see exactly what you pay before signing
fee components every investor should request in writing before engaging any advisory firm.
Your true cost is the sum of all six — and each one should be disclosed to you, in writing, before you pay it. If a firm cannot itemize them, that is your answer.
What the firm charges for advice and management
Charged by some firms on top of the advisory fee
Expense ratios inside the investments themselves
Where applicable — per-trade or account-level costs
Where applicable — including any commissions, disclosed before the transaction
Anything else the agreement or disclosure documents list
Davies Wealth Management’s advisory fees are described in our Form ADV Part 2A and advisory agreement, provided before you engage us.
Work out the dollar cost of any fee percentage →
How Advisors Get Paid
Three compensation models. One that puts you first.
Paid When You Buy
Revenue comes primarily from product sales — mutual funds, insurance, annuities. Compensation is tied to what you purchase.
- Revenue from product sales creates inherent conflicts
- Commission may not be disclosed until documents are signed
- No legal fiduciary duty in all situations
- Incentive to recommend higher-commission products
Paid to Advise You
Primary revenue is an advisory fee disclosed upfront. Any commissions (e.g., on annuities) are always disclosed before the transaction. Legally a fiduciary when providing investment-advisory services.
- Advisory fee agreed in writing before engagement
- Any commission disclosed before any transaction
- Fiduciary duty when providing advisory services — legally required to act in your interest
- No revenue sharing from fund companies
- No proprietary product quotas or sales targets
Paid Advisory Fees Only
Revenue comes exclusively from advisory fees — no commissions on any product, ever. Typically serves as a fiduciary.
- Zero commissions under any circumstance
- May not offer insurance or annuity products directly
- Typically narrower service scope for complex planning
- Fewest compensation-related conflicts
Side-by-Side
How we compare across what matters most
| Large National Firms | Robo-Advisors | Davies Wealth Management | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting AUM Fee | 1.50% – 1.75% | 0.25% – 0.50% | ✓ Competitive & disclosed upfront |
| Hidden Fund Expenses | ⚠ +0.50% – 0.75% | ⚠ +0.05% – 0.20% | ✓ Disclosed upfront |
| Total Annual Cost | ✕ Up to 2.25%+ | 0.30% – 0.70% | ✓ All-in cost disclosed |
| Commissions | ✕ Often undisclosed | ✓ None | ✓ Disclosed before any transaction |
| Personal Advisor | ⚠ Rotating / changing | ✕ None (algorithm) | ✓ Thomas — same advisor, always |
| Comprehensive Plan | ⚠ Extra cost at many | ⚠ Basic / automated | ✓ Included |
| Tax Planning | ⚠ Limited | ✕ None | ✓ Comprehensive |
| Florida & Treasure Coast Expertise | ✕ Generic national | ✕ None | ✓ Deep local knowledge |
| Fiduciary Duty | ⚠ Varies | ⚠ Limited | ✓ Yes, when providing investment-advisory services — Florida-registered, legally required |
What our fee-based model actually means for you
Six principles that define how Davies Wealth Management is compensated — and what that means in practice.
Advisory Fee in Writing First
Our advisory fee is agreed to and signed before we begin any work. You see the number before we do anything with your money.
Commissions Disclosed Before Any Transaction
On certain insurance and annuity products, a commission may apply. It is always disclosed in full — in writing — before any transaction is executed.
No Proprietary Product Bias
We have no in-house funds and receive no payments from investment product manufacturers. Recommendations are not driven by our revenue model.
No Fund Revenue Sharing
We receive no revenue sharing or payments from mutual fund companies or ETF providers. Fund selection is based solely on your portfolio’s needs.
Fiduciary Duty — Legally Required
As a Florida-registered investment adviser, we are legally required to act in your best interest when providing investment-advisory services. This is a legal obligation, not a marketing claim.
Our Growth Aligned with Yours
Our AUM fee rises as your portfolio grows. We succeed financially only when you do — a structural alignment that defines our relationship.
Ready to know exactly what you’re paying?
Schedule a free, no-obligation fee analysis. We’ll review your current cost structure, show you a transparent breakdown of what you’d pay with Davies, and let you decide — with complete information in hand.
Fee-Based Fiduciary
No Hidden Costs
Stuart, FL • Treasure Coast
We can help you make the most of what you have!