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What does "just 1%" really cost?

An advisory fee doesn't just take a slice each year — it takes that slice's future growth, forever. Run your own numbers and see the difference in dollars.

Your portfolio today ($) Advisor's annual fee (% of assets)

The common "1% AUM" arrangement. Some charge more.

Expected annual return (%)

Before fees. Long-run diversified portfolios have historically averaged in this neighborhood — not guaranteed.

Years invested Coaching cost per year ($)

Example: four $125 sessions a year with Bright Path.

The difference after 20 years

That's how much more you'd have managing your own money with flat-rate coaching instead of paying the percentage fee — same investments, same returns.

With a 1%-style advisor

Ending balance

With flat-fee coaching

Ending balance

Total paid in AUM fees*

*including the growth those fees would have earned

Total paid for coaching

At your rate above

Two paths, same market

Flat-fee coaching 1%-style advisor

Educational illustration only. Assumes the advisor fee reduces your net return each year, identical gross returns on both paths, coaching paid from the portfolio annually, and no contributions or withdrawals. Real advisors vary in fees and value; real returns vary a lot. This is not individualized investment advice — it's a reason to know exactly what you're paying.

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