Mercer Advisors
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Question

What is the difference between fee-only and commission-based wealth advice?

Answer

Fee-only advisors are generally compensated directly by clients through advisory fees and do not receive commissions from financial products. Advisors who also receive commissions may receive incentives that fee-only advisors do not. Because pay structures can create conflicts, clients should review how an advisor is paid and confirm whether they operate as a fiduciary.

Related FAQs

Do I need a wealth manager at $1 million?

Is wealth management worth it?

What does a wealth manager do?
Tax Planning Financial Planning Asset Protection Charitable Giving Retirement Planning Tax Basics Building Wealth Protecting Your Legacy Generational Wealth Year-Round Tax Planning Investors Financial Independence FAQs
Last Updated Sept. 9, 2026
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Further Learning

Tax Planning Article

The New Math of Charitable Giving Tax Deductions

New 2026 charitable giving tax deduction rules changed the math. Learn how the AGI floor, the 35% cap, and DAFs reshape your year-end giving strategy.

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Investment Management Podcast

Episode 40 – Diversify Broadly, Both Across and Within Global Asset Classes

Don Calcagni, Chief Investment Officer, explains why he pursues the broadest possible diversification in portfolios — and why it’s the second principle of the evidence-based investment philosophy at Mercer Advisors.

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Passing down a family vacation home takes more than a will. Learn how trusts, LLCs, and honest conversations can keep your legacy property in the family.

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Catch-Up Contributions 2026: What’s New for Savers

SECURE 2.0 catch-up rules are in effect for 2026. New limits, a higher Roth threshold, and final IRS guidance change how older savers should plan.

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About Mercer Advisors

We exist so you don’t have to worry about money. For more than 40 years, we’ve taken the sophisticated, time-tested approach that many ultra-high net worth individuals use to help manage their financial lives and made it accessible to more families.

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