Financial planning costs $1,000 to $5,200 for a one time plan in 2026
Financial planning costs $1,000 to $5,200 for a one time plan in 2026. SmartAsset lists a median of $3,000 for a standalone plan. Carry lists $1,000 to $3,000. The price moves with the fee type, the size of the plan, and the planner. Some planners charge by the hour, and NerdWallet lists an average of $307. Ongoing help costs more each year.
What price guides say
We checked 4 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| NerdWallet | NerdWallet lists an average of $2,926 for a one time plan, $307 per hour, $6,815 per year for a flat retainer, and 0.96 percent of assets. |
| SmartAsset | SmartAsset lists a median of $3,000 for a standalone plan, $300 per hour, and $4,500 per year for a subscription. |
| Carry | Carry lists $200 to $500 per hour, $2,000 to $8,000 per year for a retainer, and $1,000 to $3,000 for a one time plan. |
| Harness | Harness lists $200 to $400 per hour, $2,500 to $5,000 for a comprehensive plan, and an average retainer of $6,815. |
Financial planner fees by type
| Fee type | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| One time plan | $1,000 to $3,000 | Carry |
| One time plan, average | $2,926 | NerdWallet |
| Standalone plan, median | $3,000 | SmartAsset |
| Comprehensive plan | $2,500 to $5,000 | Harness |
| Hourly rate | $200 to $500 | Carry |
| Hourly rate, average | $307 | NerdWallet |
| Annual retainer, average | $6,815 | NerdWallet |
| Share of assets, average | 0.96 percent a year | NerdWallet |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Fee type | Planners charge by the hour, by the plan, by a yearly retainer, or by a share of assets. NerdWallet lists $307 per hour and $6,815 per year. |
| Plan scope | A simple budget and savings plan costs less than a full plan with taxes, estate, and retirement. Carry lists one time plans at $1,000 to $3,000. |
| Assets managed | If a planner takes a share of your money, a bigger account means a bigger fee. NerdWallet puts the average at 0.96 percent, or $4,800 on $500,000. |
| Planner and firm | Experienced planners and larger firms often charge more per hour. Harness lists hourly rates of $200 to $400, while Carry lists $200 to $500. |
| Ongoing support | A yearly retainer covers regular check ins. SmartAsset lists a median of $4,500 per year, and Harness lists an average of $6,815. |
What the price includes
A one time plan usually covers a review of your income, debts, savings, and goals, then a written plan with steps to follow. Ongoing fees may add yearly reviews and money management. Hourly fees cover only the time used. Ask about extra charges for taxes, estate work, or trading costs.
Who charges this and how it is billed
Financial planners can bill in four ways. Some charge by the hour. Some sell a one time plan for a flat price. Some bill a yearly or monthly retainer. Others take a share of the money they manage, called an asset fee, which is often near 1 percent a year. Harness lists monthly plans at $200 to $600. Fees may be taken from your account every quarter, as NerdWallet notes. Ask for the fee in dollars, and ask how it is billed, so you can see the full cost.
When you need this
You may need a planner when your money life gets more complex. Common times are a new job, a marriage, a baby, a home purchase, a business sale, an inheritance, or nearing retirement. A planner can also help if you feel stuck with debt or do not know where to start saving. Pick one who explains fees clearly and puts your goals first.
How to judge your quote
- Is the fee a flat price, an hourly rate, or a share of assets?
- Does the quote list every fee in writing, including fund costs?
- Is the planner a fiduciary, and how are they paid?
- What will you get: a plan, check ins, or money management?
- Compare the total with the range above: $1,000 to $5,200 per one time plan for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Ask for a flat fee or hourly plan if you only need a one time check up. Ongoing fees cost more over many years.
- Compare robo advisors for simple investing. NerdWallet says they charge 0.25 to 0.50 percent a year, but they give no personal financial plan.
- Come prepared with your income, debts, and account statements so the planner spends less billable time gathering your facts.
- Ask every planner to list all fees in writing, including fund costs and trading fees, so you can compare the total cost.
- Ask if the planner is a fiduciary and how they are paid. Fee only planners avoid commissions, which NerdWallet lists at 1 to 6 percent of investments.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from NerdWallet, SmartAsset, Carry and Harness. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does a financial planner cost?
Carry lists one time plans at $1,000 to $3,000. Harness lists $2,500 to $5,000 for a comprehensive plan.
How much does a planner charge per hour?
NerdWallet lists an average of $307 per hour. Carry lists $200 to $500, and SmartAsset lists a median of $300.
What is a typical percent of assets fee?
NerdWallet lists an average of 0.96 percent a year. That is about $4,800 a year on $500,000.
What does a yearly retainer cost?
SmartAsset lists a median of $4,500 a year. NerdWallet lists an average of $6,815.
Are robo advisors cheaper?
Yes. NerdWallet lists 0.25 to 0.50 percent a year, but a robo advisor gives no personal financial plan.