Fee-Only Planning in San Diego

If you’re browsing for financial advisors in San Diego, you’ve probably come across a variety of titles: broker, financial consultant, wealth manager, fiduciary CFP—the list goes on. But here’s the real question: who’s working for you, and who’s working for a commission?

At Fee Only Planners, we’re a San Diego-based financial advisory firm that believes your finances should never come with a hidden agenda. We use the latest tools and technologies to provide the most secure, personalized financial planning San Diego has to offer.

How Fee-Only Planning Financial Advisors Get Paid (And Why It Matters)

Understanding how your advisor gets paid is crucial—because it affects the kind of advice you receive. Here are the three most common models:

Commission-Based Advisors

These advisors earn money when they sell you a financial product—think annuities, insurance, mutual funds. They’re only required to meet a “suitability” standard, meaning the investment just has to be okay for you—not necessarily the best. Plus, they aren’t usually obligated to disclose how much they’re making off the sale.

That means their financial incentive is to sell—not necessarily to serve.

Fee-Based Advisors

Sounds like fee-only, but not quite. Fee-based advisors charge a fee and take commissions. It’s a gray area that often leads to conflicts of interest. One moment they’re charging you for planning, the next they’re earning commissions on insurance products.

Fee-Only Financial Advisors (That’s Us)

We get paid only by you. No kickbacks. No commissions. No third-party compensation. That means our advice is clean, objective, and always in your best interest. As a fiduciary CFP firm, we are legally and ethically bound to put you first.

Why San Diego Residents Are Choosing Fee-Only Advisors

San Diego isn’t just palm trees and surf breaks—it’s also home to an increasingly savvy financial crowd. More and more individuals and families are searching for fiduciary CFPs who can offer trustworthy guidance through life’s big decisions.

Here’s why fee-only financial planning is gaining traction in Southern California:

• Transparency: You know exactly what you’re paying for.

• Objectivity: Our only incentive is your success.

• Comprehensive Service: From retirement strategies to tax planning, we tailor every plan to your unique needs.

Choosing a San Diego Financial Advisor? Ask These Questions First

Before you commit to working with any financial advisor in San Diego, be sure to ask:

• Are you a fiduciary 100% of the time?

• How do you get paid?

• Do you receive commissions from financial products?

• Will you put everything in writing?

If you’re not hearing clear answers, keep looking. You deserve honest, unbiased advice.

Understanding How Fee-Only Planners Charge Clients

Our fee structure is flexible, transparent, and designed to match your goals—not someone else’s sales quota.

Hourly Rate

Perfect for one-time financial questions or small projects—just like hiring an attorney or CPA.

Flat Fee

Great for comprehensive planning. Know exactly what you’ll pay from the start.

AUM (Assets Under Management)

We charge a percentage of the portfolio we manage for you—typically 1% or less. As your assets grow, our interests stay aligned.

Financial Planning in San Diego: Why It’s Unique

In a city as dynamic as San Diego, financial planning can’t be one-size-fits-all. From tech startups in Sorrento Valley to retired naval officers in Coronado, every client’s situation is different. That’s why our advisors don’t push products—they build plans.

Whether you’re looking for tax-efficient investing, wealth management in San Diego, or legacy planning for your family, we have the tools and experience to help.

Let’s Get Started

If you’re tired of guessing what your advisor really earns—or what they’re really recommending—talk to us. We’re proud to be one of the few truly fee-only firms offering comprehensive financial planning in San Diego.

Give us a call for a Brief Intro at (858) 547-1845, or contact us here.

No pitches. No pressure. Just honest advice from local fiduciary CFPs who’ve got your back.*This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information provided is not written or intended as tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for purposes of avoiding any Federal tax penalties. Individuals are encouraged to seek advice from their own tax or legal counsel. Individuals involved in the estate planning process should work with an estate planning team, including their own personal legal or tax counsel. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a representation by us of a specific investment or the purchase or sale of any securities. Asset allocation and diversification do not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets. This material was developed and produced by Fee Only Planners to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. Copyright 2024 Fee Only Planners.