There is no single official national “average” because “financial consultant” can mean a planner, advisor, wealth manager, or consultant using different pricing models. NAPFA says fee-only advisors may charge hourly, flat fees, retainers, or a percentage of assets under management, which is why costs can look very different from one firm to another.

 

For a practical benchmark, SmartAsset’s 2026 advisor-cost summary, citing Kitces research, says advisors who charge on assets under management typically use a median blended fee of about 1% on portfolios up to $1 million; it also reports a median hourly rate of $300, a typical annual subscription fee of $4,500, and a standalone comprehensive plan cost of around $3,000. Those are useful reference points if you are trying to estimate what a normal human advisor relationship may cost today.

 

In real life, the best pricing model depends on your situation. Someone who mainly needs a second opinion on retirement may be better off with an hourly or project-based planner. Someone who wants ongoing portfolio management, tax coordination, and periodic planning updates may be better suited to an AUM or retainer arrangement. That is why the “average” matters less than whether the fee structure matches the amount of help you actually need.