05.18.26

Advisors Are Raising Planning Fees — But Repricing Existing Clients Could Be Tricky

by: Leo Almazora

Financial advisors are rapidly increasing planning fees, but many are avoiding raising prices for longtime clients. A 2026 Datos Insights study prepared for Envestnet MoneyGuide found average annual retainer fees have jumped 52% since 2023 to $6,815, while flat fees and subscription models also rose sharply. More than half of advisors increased fees in the past year, though most applied higher pricing only to new clients, creating potential “two-tier” client books with different pricing structures. Advisors cite growth, scalability and shifting business models as reasons for fee changes, especially as subscription-based planning gains traction. However, many firms remain uncertain about how to handle legacy clients, fearing friction with long-standing relationships.

Read the full article on InvestmentNews