At Messett Financial, we believe financial advice should be honest, transparent, and aligned with your best interests. One of the most common questions we’re asked is, “How do you get paid?” And we think that’s exactly the right question.

We are compensated through a combination of fees and commissions, depending on the financial products and strategies we use in your portfolio. This hybrid model allows us to offer flexibility and provide access to a wide range of tools — always with your goals at the center.

A Clear Explanation of Our Compensation Model

Our approach to fees depends on the nature of the services we provide and the products that best support your financial plan.

1. Fee-Based Financial Planning & Investment Management

For most of our clients, we provide ongoing financial planning and investment management services on a fee basis.

  • How it works: We charge a percentage of assets under management (AUM), typically between 0.50% and 1.00% annually, depending on the size and complexity of your portfolio.
  • What’s included:
    • Portfolio construction and rebalancing
    • Retirement, tax, education, and estate planning
    • Regular performance reviews and strategy updates
    • Access to your advisor throughout the year
  • How we’re paid: These fees are billed directly from your investment account on a quarterly basis.

This structure creates a shared incentive — when your portfolio grows, we succeed together.

2. Commissions on Certain Products

In some cases, particularly when we implement insurance products or certain types of annuities, our compensation comes in the form of a commission paid by the product provider.

  • When this applies:
    • Life, disability, or long-term care insurance policies
    • Fixed or indexed annuities
    • Some alternative investment products
  • Why we use these products:
    We only recommend commission-based products when they align with your financial goals and are in your best interest. In many cases, these tools offer benefits (such as guaranteed income, risk protection, or tax deferral) that are not available through fee-only solutions.

Important to know: You will never be charged both a fee and a commission on the same investment product. We clearly explain any commission-based recommendations before implementation, so you can make a fully informed decision.

3. Flat Fees & Hourly Consulting

For clients who need guidance on a specific issue — without ongoing investment management — we offer flexible planning options:

  • Flat-Fee Planning: Comprehensive financial plans priced based on complexity (typically $1,500–$5,000).
  • Hourly Advice: $250/hour for one-time consultations or project-based planning.

These options are ideal for individuals or families seeking objective advice without committing to a full advisory relationship.

Our Fiduciary Commitment

Regardless of how we are compensated, we are held to a fiduciary standard when acting in an advisory capacity. That means we are legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest at all times.

We take that responsibility seriously — and we believe you deserve full transparency about how we’re paid, why we make certain recommendations, and how those decisions support your long-term success.

Let’s Talk About What Works Best for You

We understand that every financial journey is unique. We’re here to explain your options, answer your questions, and build a strategy — and a relationship — based on trust.

Have questions about how our fees work? We’d be happy to walk through the details.