Is a Financial Advisor Worth 1%? Let’s Talk About What That Really Means

One of the most common questions people ask when it comes to financial planning is: “Is it really worth paying a financial advisor around 1%?”

It’s a good question. And it’s one we welcome.

But instead of looking at it as a cost, we invite you to look at it through a different lens: What if working with a trusted financial advisor could help you make even slightly better decisions across the board? What would that be worth to you?

Because the truth is—those small improvements can make a big difference.

💡 Small Improvements, Big Impact

We often think financial success comes from big, sweeping changes. But more often, it’s the small, consistent improvements—the 1% gains here and there—that quietly build real momentum over time.

Could your:

• Spending habits become just a little more intentional?

• Savings strategy become a little more efficient?

• Retirement plan be slightly better aligned with your goals?

• Investment allocation be more in tune with your risk tolerance?

• Tax decisions be just a bit more strategic?

  
  

Even small changes in these areas—especially when applied consistently—can add up to a significantly stronger financial future.

🤝 It’s About More Than Numbers

At the heart of financial advising is a relationship.

Yes, we help optimize portfolios, create retirement projections, and design tax strategies—but the real value comes from the conversations, the coaching, the clarity, and the confidence that grow over time.

We get to know you. We understand what’s important to you. And we help you make decisions that reflect your values and goals—not someone else’s idea of success.

⏳ Your Time Is Valuable, Too

Let’s be honest—managing your finances can be time-consuming. Researching investments, staying current on tax law changes, reviewing insurance policies, analyzing retirement options… it adds up quickly.

One of the biggest benefits of working with a financial advisor is the time you get back.

That’s time you can spend:

• With your loved ones

• Doing work you care about

• Traveling, golfing, fishing, or just relaxing

• Focusing on what brings you joy and fulfillment

  
  

We handle the details, so you don’t have to. Because financial planning isn’t just about building wealth—it’s about freeing you up to enjoy your life.

🤔 You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

One of the most common things we hear from new clients is: “I didn’t even know that was an option.”

And that’s understandable. Personal finance is filled with complexities, nuances, and ever-changing rules. Most people don’t have the time—or desire—to dig into all the details. And honestly, you shouldn’t have to.

Working with a financial advisor helps reveal the opportunities, blind spots, and strategies that might not even be on your radar. It’s not about feeling behind—it’s about moving forward with the right guide by your side.

🔁 Roth or Traditional? You’re Not Alone

A great example: Should you contribute to a Roth or Traditional 401(k)?

Most people have heard the terms, and some even understand the basic differences. But knowing which one to use, when to use it, and how it fits into your broader plan? That’s a whole different conversation.

And it’s a conversation we have often.

The Roth vs. Traditional decision is just one of many that seem small on the surface—but can have a meaningful impact over time. And it’s exactly the kind of question we love helping people unpack.

🧾 Tax Laws Are Constantly Changing

In the last few years alone, we've seen major shifts in tax legislation—from the SECURE Act to the more recent One Big Beautiful Bill Act in 2025.

Tax laws are not static. They evolve constantly. Unless you’re spending your spare time studying tax code updates and IRS guidance (we won’t judge if you’re not), it’s easy to make decisions based on outdated information.

One of our core roles is to help you stay ahead of those changes—so you can avoid costly mistakes and take advantage of timely opportunities.

💼 Why People Who Build Wealth Rarely Go It Alone

There’s a misconception that only the ultra-wealthy work with financial advisors. But in reality, many people who have built significant wealth did so with a trusted advisor in their corner.

They recognize that:

• Having a second set of eyes brings clarity

• Outsourcing complexity frees up time and headspace

• Good advice is a form of protection—not just from market swings, but from missteps and missed opportunities

  
  

They don’t work with advisors because they have to. They work with advisors because they want to.

📈 The Power of Compounding: Not Just in Your Portfolio

At Eighth Wonder Investments, our name is inspired by a quote often attributed to Einstein:

“Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it. He who doesn’t, pays it.” - Albert Einstein

Most people think of compounding in terms of investment returns—and they’re not wrong. But the true magic of compounding goes far beyond the stock market.

When you start making small, smart financial decisions consistently…When you improve your savings rate, refine your tax strategy, or eliminate avoidable mistakes…When you build a plan and stick with it through good markets and bad…

That’s when compounding truly takes hold, not just in dollars, but in confidence, clarity, and freedom.

Working with a financial advisor isn’t about chasing the next hot investment—It’s about making small, smart decisions that stack up over time to create something far greater than the sum of its parts.

💬 Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, our role is simple: To help you make better financial decisions, feel more confident about your future, and create a plan that reflects what matters most to you.

Sometimes that means helping you get just a little more efficient with your savings. Sometimes it means uncovering a strategy that could save you thousands. Sometimes it just means having someone to call when life throws a curveball.

Whether the difference is 1% or 10%, our hope is that you walk away from every conversation feeling more confident, more informed, and more in control of your financial life.

And if you’ve ever wondered whether working with a financial advisor is worth it, maybe the next step is just having a conversation.

We’d love to start there.