{"id":6956,"date":"2025-12-06T13:50:39","date_gmt":"2025-12-06T18:50:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/?p=6956"},"modified":"2025-12-06T13:50:39","modified_gmt":"2025-12-06T18:50:39","slug":"how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose a Financial Advisor: Fee-Based vs. Commission and What Retirees Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<iframe src=\"https:\/\/player.blubrry.com\/?podcast_id=150533697&amp;media_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.blubrry.com%2Ftomdupreeshow%2Fcontent.blubrry.com%2Ftomdupreeshow%2FHOUR_1_EG_12-06-25.mp3&amp;modern=1#mode-Light&border-000000&progress-000000\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"100%\" height=\"165\" frameborder=\"0\" id=\"blubrryplayer-1\" class=\"blubrryplayer\" title=\"Blubrry Podcast Player\"><\/iframe><div class=\"flex-1 flex flex-col px-4 max-w-3xl mx-auto w-full gap-3 pt-1\">\n<div data-test-render-count=\"1\">\n<div class=\"group relative pb-3\" data-is-streaming=\"false\">\n<div class=\"font-claude-response relative leading-[1.65rem] [&amp;_pre&gt;div]:bg-bg-000\/50 [&amp;_pre&gt;div]:border-0.5 [&amp;_pre&gt;div]:border-border-400 [&amp;_.ignore-pre-bg&gt;div]:bg-transparent [&amp;_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&amp;_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&amp;_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&amp;_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8\">\n<div class=\"standard-markdown grid-cols-1 grid gap-4 [&amp;_&gt;_*]:min-w-0 standard-markdown\">\n<h1 class=\"font-claude-response-title mt-1 text-text-100\">How to Choose a Financial Advisor: Fee-Based vs. Commission and What Retirees Need to Know<\/h1>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">\n<hr class=\"border-border-300 my-4\" \/>\n<h2 class=\"font-claude-response-heading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">Introduction<\/h2>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">Choosing the right financial advisor can feel overwhelming, especially when you&#8217;re navigating retirement planning or managing a lifetime of savings. With so many types of advisors\u2014from traditional brokers to fee-based fiduciaries\u2014how do you know which model serves your best interests?<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">In this episode of The Tom Dupree Show, Tom Dupree and Mike Johnson walk through the evolution of financial advising, explain the critical differences between fee-based and commission-based models, and share what you should look for when selecting an advisor. Whether you&#8217;re working with a large brokerage firm or considering a local registered investment advisor, this guide will help you make an informed decision about your financial future.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"border-border-300 my-4\" \/>\n<h2 class=\"font-claude-response-heading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">The Evolution from Brokers to Financial Advisors<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"font-claude-response-subheading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">From Lockboxes to Digital Portfolios<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">The financial advisory landscape has transformed dramatically over the past several decades. When Tom Dupree started in the business, the term &#8220;financial advisor&#8221; didn&#8217;t exist\u2014only brokers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>&#8220;When I started in the business, it was a broker. There were no such things as advisors,&#8221;<\/strong> Tom explains. Back then, fee-based advisors served only the ultra-wealthy with accounts of $5-10 million or more. Everyone else worked with commission-based brokers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">Investors even held physical stock certificates and bonds in lockboxes at their banks. As Tom recalls: <strong>&#8220;I knew an older man who accumulated a lot of securities, bonds and stocks, and he kept them in his lockbox. He had to physically collect his own bond coupons.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"font-claude-response-subheading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">The Rise of Discount Brokerages and RIAs<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">The late 1980s and 1990s brought significant changes:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Discount brokerage firms<\/strong> like TD Ameritrade, Schwab, Fidelity, and Vanguard emerged, allowing investors to manage their own portfolios<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Fee-based accounts<\/strong> became available at traditional brokerage firms<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"><strong>Independent Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs)<\/strong> like Dupree Financial Group established themselves as fiduciary-focused alternatives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">This evolution created more choices for investors\u2014but also more confusion about which advisor model best serves their needs.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"border-border-300 my-4\" \/>\n<h2 class=\"font-claude-response-heading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">Understanding Different Types of Financial Advisors<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"font-claude-response-subheading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">Commission-Based Brokers<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">Commission-based advisors earn money when you buy or sell investments. While not inherently wrong, this model creates potential conflicts of interest.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>Key characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Compensated through transaction commissions<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">May recommend products that generate higher fees<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Not always held to fiduciary standards<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Common at firms like Edward Jones and traditional wirehouses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">As Mike Johnson notes: <strong>&#8220;You the consumer need to be aware of what their incentive is. Some advisors are incentivized by transactions.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"font-claude-response-subheading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">Fee-Based Registered Investment Advisors<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">Fee-based RIAs charge a percentage of assets under management rather than commissions on transactions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>Key characteristics:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Held to fiduciary standards (legally required to put client interests first)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Fees typically range from 0.5% to 1.5% of assets annually<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Incentivized to grow your account value, not generate transactions<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Provide ongoing investment management and financial guidance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>&#8220;We manage money for a fee and we offer advice. We counsel with people,&#8221;<\/strong> Tom explains about Dupree Financial Group&#8217;s approach. <strong>&#8220;It makes it simple. We&#8217;re not trying to do other things that you don&#8217;t expect us to try to do.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"font-claude-response-subheading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">Hybrid Models and Large Brokerage Firms<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">Many large brokerage firms now offer both commission-based and fee-based services, along with additional offerings like legal and accounting departments.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">Tom cautions about potential conflicts with these one-stop-shop models: <strong>&#8220;If everybody is working under the same roof and getting paid by the same income stream, they&#8217;re gonna all pretty much march to the same company line.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr class=\"border-border-300 my-4\" \/>\n<h2 class=\"font-claude-response-heading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">Fee-Based vs. Commission: Understanding Advisor Incentives<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"font-claude-response-subheading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">How Incentives Shape Investment Recommendations<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">Your advisor&#8217;s compensation structure directly impacts the advice you receive. Understanding these incentives is crucial for retirement planning.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>Commission-Based Incentives:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Generate income through buying and selling<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">May encourage unnecessary trading or higher-cost products<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Can create pressure to recommend certain investments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>Fee-Based Fiduciary Incentives:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Earn more only when your account grows<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Motivated to preserve capital and generate steady returns<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Aligned with long-term retirement goals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>&#8220;The incentive for us, for example, is to mitigate risk, but to also try to earn a rate of return above the rate of inflation and hopefully the rate of withdrawal,&#8221;<\/strong> Mike explains. <strong>&#8220;It aligns with what our client&#8217;s interests are.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"font-claude-response-subheading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">The Fiduciary Standard: What It Means for You<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">A fiduciary is legally obligated to act in your best interest. This is the highest standard of care in financial services.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">When you work with a fiduciary RIA:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Your interests come first, always<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Conflicts of interest must be disclosed<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Recommendations must be suitable for your specific situation<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Transparency is required in all fee structures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr class=\"border-border-300 my-4\" \/>\n<h2 class=\"font-claude-response-heading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">Red Flags When Choosing a Financial Advisor<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"font-claude-response-subheading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">Warning Signs to Watch For<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">Not all financial advisors operate with your best interests at heart. Here are red flags Tom and Mike have observed over 47 years in the investment business:<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>\ud83d\udea9 Lack of transparency about fees and compensation<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Can&#8217;t clearly explain how they&#8217;re paid<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Vague about total costs you&#8217;ll incur<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>\ud83d\udea9 Pressure to consolidate everything under one roof<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Insist you use their in-house attorney or accountant<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Make it difficult to get independent advice<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">Tom strongly advocates for separation: <strong>&#8220;I believe that it&#8217;s better to have a separate set of eyes looking at every legal document, at every piece of accounting information. I simply like to have a third party that has no relation to me as the investment firm.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>\ud83d\udea9 Unable or unwilling to explain investments in plain language<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Uses excessive jargon without clarification<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Becomes defensive when you ask questions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>\ud83d\udea9 Discourages questions or second opinions<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Makes you feel uncomfortable raising concerns<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Suggests you shouldn&#8217;t consult other professionals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>\ud83d\udea9 Focus on transactions rather than relationships<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Constantly recommending new products<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Limited contact outside of sales pitches<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr class=\"border-border-300 my-4\" \/>\n<h2 class=\"font-claude-response-heading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">What to Look for in a Financial Advisor for Retirement<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"font-claude-response-subheading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">Essential Qualities of a Good Advisor<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">After nearly five decades in investment management, Tom Dupree identifies the key qualities retirees should seek:<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>Experience and Knowledge<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Years in the business managing real client portfolios<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Understanding of retirement income strategies<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Knowledge of tax-efficient withdrawal strategies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>&#8220;You want them to be smart enough to know their way around the business having done some things in the business,&#8221;<\/strong> Tom emphasizes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>Accessibility and Communication<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Willingness to answer questions in understandable terms<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Regular communication about your portfolio<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Available when you need them<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>&#8220;You should be able to ask that person a question, and they should be able to explain it to you in a way that you understand,&#8221;<\/strong> Mike notes. <strong>&#8220;And if they can&#8217;t, then they might not understand.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>Transparency<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Clear fee structure<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Honest about investment risks and potential returns<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Open about their investment philosophy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>Personal Connection<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Shared values and approach to money management<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Comfortable relationship where you can speak freely<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Genuine concern for your financial well-being<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>&#8220;You have to somewhat like &#8217;em. You don&#8217;t have to be in love with them, but you have to trust them,&#8221;<\/strong> Tom says. <strong>&#8220;You have to think that they are probably looking out for you.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr class=\"border-border-300 my-4\" \/>\n<h2 class=\"font-claude-response-heading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">The Dupree Financial Group Difference: Local, Personal, Fiduciary<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"font-claude-response-subheading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">Why Independent RIAs Serve Retirees Better<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">For nearly 18 years, The Tom Dupree Show has invited listeners into candid conversations about investment management, market conditions, and financial planning for retirement.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>What sets Dupree Financial Group apart:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">\u2713 Tom has <strong>47 years of investment experience<\/strong> managing portfolios through multiple market cycles \u2713 <strong>Fee-based fiduciary model<\/strong> that aligns our success with yours \u2713 <strong>Personalized investment management<\/strong> tailored to your retirement income needs \u2713 <strong>Local accessibility<\/strong> with face-to-face meetings in Lexington, Kentucky \u2713 <strong>Independent third-party oversight<\/strong> for performance calculation and fee billing \u2713 <strong>Transparent communication<\/strong> about what you own and why you own it<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>&#8220;Our clients tend to be a certain type of client. They are not generally super wealthy people. They&#8217;re not poor. They are what I would call average people, and I say that in a very good way,&#8221;<\/strong> Tom reflects. <strong>&#8220;They tend to, for me, represent a lot of what&#8217;s good about America.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"font-claude-response-subheading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">Understanding What You Own: The Foundation of Successful Investing<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">At Dupree Financial Group, client education is paramount. You should never feel confused about your investments or afraid to ask questions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>&#8220;Don&#8217;t ever assume that any question is a dumb question,&#8221;<\/strong> Tom advises. <strong>&#8220;Just what is a bond? That&#8217;s something that the answer may include a lot of things in it that the average person didn&#8217;t know was part of a bond.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">This educational approach helps clients stay the course during market volatility\u2014a critical factor in long-term retirement success.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"border-border-300 my-4\" \/>\n<h2 class=\"font-claude-response-heading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">Key Takeaways: Choosing the Right Financial Advisor<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"font-claude-response-subheading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">Questions Every Retiree Should Ask a Prospective Advisor<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">Before entrusting someone with your retirement savings, ask these essential questions:<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>About Their Business Model:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Are you a fiduciary?<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">How are you compensated?<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">What is your total fee structure?<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Do you earn commissions on any products you recommend?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>About Their Approach:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">What is your investment philosophy?<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">How do you manage risk for retirees?<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">How often will we communicate about my portfolio?<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Can I speak with current clients as references?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>About Their Experience:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">How long have you been managing investments?<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">What credentials and licenses do you hold?<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">How did your clients fare during the 2008 financial crisis?<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">What is your typical client profile?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>About Independence:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Do you use independent custodians?<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Who calculates your performance and fees?<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Do you offer in-house legal or accounting services?<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Can I use my own attorney and accountant?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"font-claude-response-subheading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">Red Flags That Should End the Conversation<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">Some warning signs:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Promises of guaranteed returns<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Pressure to make immediate decisions<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Reluctance to provide references<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Vague or evasive answers about compensation<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Unwillingness to act as a fiduciary<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">History of regulatory complaints (check FINRA BrokerCheck)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr class=\"border-border-300 my-4\" \/>\n<h2 class=\"font-claude-response-heading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">The Bottom Line: Your Retirement Deserves a Fiduciary<\/h2>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">The financial services industry has evolved significantly, offering retirees more choices than ever. But with choice comes responsibility\u2014the responsibility to understand who you&#8217;re working with and how they&#8217;re incentivized.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>The evidence is clear:<\/strong> Fee-based fiduciary advisors offer the most aligned incentive structure for retirees focused on preserving capital and generating sustainable income. When your advisor only profits as your portfolio grows, you know their interests match yours.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">As Tom powerfully states: <strong>&#8220;You&#8217;ve got to be able to tell your advisor it&#8217;s time to do something different. People are afraid of their advisor. If you don&#8217;t like us, we&#8217;ve got a guy that calls us all the time. You gotta tell them if you&#8217;re not happy with something, and I don&#8217;t care who it is.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">Your retirement is too important to settle for an advisor who doesn&#8217;t put your interests first.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"border-border-300 my-4\" \/>\n<h2 class=\"font-claude-response-heading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">Take the Next Step: Schedule Your Complimentary Portfolio Review<\/h2>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">At Dupree Financial Group, we&#8217;ve spent over 23 years helping people over 50 navigate retirement with confidence. Our fee-based fiduciary approach means we succeed only when you do.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>What you&#8217;ll receive in your complimentary portfolio review:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-2.5 pl-7\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Analysis of your current investment strategy<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Assessment of the fees you&#8217;re currently paying<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Evaluation of risk levels appropriate for your retirement timeline<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">Discussion of income strategies to help your money last<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\">No-pressure conversation about your financial goals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>&#8220;Markets are at record highs again. Here&#8217;s what 47 years in the investment business has taught me. The key isn&#8217;t timing the market. It&#8217;s understanding what you own and why you own it.&#8221;<\/strong> \u2013 Tom Dupree<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"font-claude-response-subheading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-1.5\">Ready to see if we&#8217;re the right fit?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>Call us at (859) 233-0406<\/strong> or schedule your <a class=\"underline\" href=\"(https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com)\">complimentary portfolio review<\/a> directly on our website at <a class=\"underline\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\">dupreefinancial.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">Learn more about our <a class=\"underline\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/about-us\/\">investment philosophy<\/a> and listen to more episodes in our <a class=\"underline\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/podcast\">market commentary archive<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>Dupree Financial Group \u2013 Where we make your money work for you.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr class=\"border-border-300 my-4\" \/>\n<h2 class=\"font-claude-response-heading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Financial Advisor<\/h2>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>What&#8217;s the difference between a broker and a financial advisor?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">Historically, brokers earned commissions on transactions, while financial advisors (particularly RIAs) charge fees based on assets under management. Today, many professionals use both titles, so it&#8217;s essential to ask specifically about their compensation structure and whether they act as a fiduciary.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>Is a fee-based advisor better than a commission-based broker?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">For most retirees, yes. Fee-based advisors acting as fiduciaries are legally required to put your interests first and are incentivized to grow your portfolio rather than generate transactions. However, the right choice depends on your specific needs and investment approach.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>What is a fiduciary, and why does it matter?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">A fiduciary is legally obligated to act in your best interest at all times. This is the highest standard of care in financial services. Non-fiduciary advisors must only recommend &#8220;suitable&#8221; investments, which is a much lower standard that allows for potential conflicts of interest.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>How much should I expect to pay a financial advisor?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">Fee-based advisors typically charge between 0.5% and 1.5% of assets under management annually.\u00a0 This should include investment management, portfolio rebalancing, and financial guidance. Always ask for a complete breakdown of all fees.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>Should I use the in-house attorney or accountant at my advisor&#8217;s firm?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">Tom Dupree recommends against it. Having independent professionals provides additional checks and balances and ensures you&#8217;re getting unbiased advice. If everyone works under the same roof and compensation structure, they&#8217;re less likely to disagree with the advisor&#8217;s recommendations.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>How do I know if my current advisor is right for me?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">Ask yourself: Do I understand what I own and why? Can I ask questions freely? Do I trust my advisor&#8217;s recommendations? Is the fee structure clear? If you answer &#8220;no&#8221; to any of these, it may be time to seek a second opinion through a complimentary portfolio review.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>What questions should I ask a prospective financial advisor?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">Essential questions include: Are you a fiduciary? How are you compensated? What is your investment philosophy? How do you communicate with clients? What credentials do you hold? Can you provide client references? How did you manage client portfolios during the 2008 financial crisis?<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>Can I switch financial advisors if I&#8217;m not happy?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">Absolutely. Your advisor works for you. If you&#8217;re not receiving the service, communication, or results you expect, you have every right to move your account. Most custodians make the transfer process straightforward, and a new advisor can typically handle most of the paperwork.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>Why does local matter when choosing a financial advisor?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">While technology allows for remote relationships, local advisors offer face-to-face meetings, personal accessibility, and a deeper understanding of regional considerations like Kentucky retirement planning. They&#8217;re available when you need them most and build genuine relationships over time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><strong>What&#8217;s the advantage of an independent RIA over a large brokerage firm?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">Independent RIAs like Dupree Financial Group are not tied to proprietary products or corporate sales quotas. They have the flexibility to choose the best investments for clients without pressure to meet firm-wide targets. They also typically offer more personalized service and direct access to decision-makers.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"border-border-300 my-4\" \/>\n<h2 class=\"font-claude-response-heading text-text-100 mt-1 -mb-0.5\">Listen to The Tom Dupree Show<\/h2>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">Catch new episodes of The Tom Dupree Show every week, where Tom Dupree and Mike Johnson discuss market conditions, investment strategies, and retirement planning with nearly six decades of combined experience.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><a class=\"underline\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/podcast\"><strong>Subscribe to our podcast<\/strong><\/a> to never miss an episode, and visit our website for our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/podcast\">complete market commentary archive.<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \">\n<hr class=\"border-border-300 my-4\" \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr class=\"border-border-300 my-4\" \/>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal \"><em>Dupree Financial Group is a registered investment advisor serving clients in Lexington, Kentucky and beyond for nearly five decades. This blog post is for educational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. Past performance does not indicate future results.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-2 pointer-events-none\">\n<div class=\"rounded-lg transition min-w-max pointer-events-auto translate-x-2 translate-y-full pt-2\">\n<div class=\"text-text-300 flex items-stretch justify-between\">\n<div class=\"w-fit\" data-state=\"closed\">\n<div class=\"relative\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center transition-all opacity-100 scale-100\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute top-0 left-0 transition-all opacity-0 scale-50\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"w-fit\" data-state=\"closed\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center text-text-500 group-hover\/btn:text-text-100\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"w-fit\" data-state=\"closed\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center text-text-500 group-hover\/btn:text-text-100\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex items-center\">\n<div class=\"w-fit\" data-state=\"closed\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center text-text-500 group-hover\/btn:text-text-100\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"h-px w-full pointer-events-none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"ml-1 flex items-center transition-transform duration-300 ease-out mt-0.5\">\n<div class=\"p-1 -translate-x-px\">\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"w-8 text-accent-brand inline-block select-none\" data-state=\"closed\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sticky bottom-0 mx-auto w-full pt-6 z-[5] relative\">\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"absolute blur-md transition duration-300 pointer-events-none opacity-0 w-8 text-accent-brand inline-block select-none\" data-state=\"closed\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center mix-blend-luminosity\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"grid\" data-testid=\"chat-input-grid-container\">\n<div class=\"[grid-area:1\/1] min-w-0\" data-testid=\"chat-input-grid-area\">\n<fieldset class=\"flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col relative opacity-0 pointer-events-none\" data-testid=\"prompt-input-ssr-interactive\">\n<div class=\"!box-content flex flex-col bg-bg-000 mx-2 md:mx-0 items-stretch transition-all duration-200 relative cursor-text z-10 rounded-2xl border border-transparent shadow-[0_0.25rem_1.25rem_hsl(var(--always-black)\/3.5%),0_0_0_0.5px_hsla(var(--border-300)\/0.15)] hover:shadow-[0_0.25rem_1.25rem_hsl(var(--always-black)\/3.5%),0_0_0_0.5px_hsla(var(--border-200)\/0.3)] focus-within:shadow-[0_0.25rem_1.25rem_hsl(var(--always-black)\/7.5%),0_0_0_0.5px_hsla(var(--border-200)\/0.3)] hover:focus-within:shadow-[0_0.25rem_1.25rem_hsl(var(--always-black)\/7.5%),0_0_0_0.5px_hsla(var(--border-200)\/0.3)]\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col m-3.5 gap-3.5\">\n<div class=\"relative\">\n<div class=\"max-h-96 w-full overflow-y-auto font-large break-words transition-opacity duration-200 min-h-[1.5rem]\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"h-8 w-full\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bg-bg-100 w-full h-2\"><\/div>\n<\/fieldset>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"[grid-area:1\/1] min-w-0\" data-testid=\"chat-input-grid-area\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to Choose a Financial Advisor: Fee-Based vs. Commission and What Retirees Need to Know Introduction Choosing the right financial advisor can feel overwhelming, especially when you&#8217;re navigating retirement planning [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5833,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6956","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-podcasts"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Choose a Financial Advisor: Fee-Based vs. Commission and What Retirees Need to Know - Dupree Financial<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to choose a financial advisor for retirement. Discover the difference between fee-based and commission advisors, fiduciary standards, and red flags to avoid.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Choose a Financial Advisor: Fee-Based vs. Commission and What Retirees Need to Know - Dupree Financial\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how to choose a financial advisor for retirement. Discover the difference between fee-based and commission advisors, fiduciary standards, and red flags to avoid.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Dupree Financial\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-12-06T18:50:39+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Podcast_Image-001.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1400\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1400\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Elizabeth Dupree\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Elizabeth Dupree\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Elizabeth Dupree\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/#\/schema\/person\/cc45b2aa772d84ed9f82ebe9f6958ef6\"},\"headline\":\"How to Choose a Financial Advisor: Fee-Based vs. Commission and What Retirees Need to Know\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-12-06T18:50:39+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/\"},\"wordCount\":2543,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Podcast_Image-001.webp\",\"articleSection\":[\"Podcasts\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/\",\"name\":\"How to Choose a Financial Advisor: Fee-Based vs. Commission and What Retirees Need to Know - Dupree Financial\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Podcast_Image-001.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-12-06T18:50:39+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/#\/schema\/person\/cc45b2aa772d84ed9f82ebe9f6958ef6\"},\"description\":\"Learn how to choose a financial advisor for retirement. Discover the difference between fee-based and commission advisors, fiduciary standards, and red flags to avoid.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Podcast_Image-001.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Podcast_Image-001.webp\",\"width\":1400,\"height\":1400},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How to Choose a Financial Advisor: Fee-Based vs. Commission and What Retirees Need to Know\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/\",\"name\":\"Dupree Financial\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/#\/schema\/person\/cc45b2aa772d84ed9f82ebe9f6958ef6\",\"name\":\"Elizabeth Dupree\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a751ec97297e7579e835cdaae5962a408fa732a09d1e64e7df4d0faaf3db8fdf?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a751ec97297e7579e835cdaae5962a408fa732a09d1e64e7df4d0faaf3db8fdf?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a751ec97297e7579e835cdaae5962a408fa732a09d1e64e7df4d0faaf3db8fdf?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Elizabeth Dupree\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/author\/elizabeth\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Choose a Financial Advisor: Fee-Based vs. Commission and What Retirees Need to Know - Dupree Financial","description":"Learn how to choose a financial advisor for retirement. Discover the difference between fee-based and commission advisors, fiduciary standards, and red flags to avoid.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to Choose a Financial Advisor: Fee-Based vs. Commission and What Retirees Need to Know - Dupree Financial","og_description":"Learn how to choose a financial advisor for retirement. Discover the difference between fee-based and commission advisors, fiduciary standards, and red flags to avoid.","og_site_name":"Dupree Financial","article_published_time":"2025-12-06T18:50:39+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1400,"height":1400,"url":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Podcast_Image-001.webp","type":"image\/webp"}],"author":"Elizabeth Dupree","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Elizabeth Dupree","Est. reading time":"12 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/"},"author":{"name":"Elizabeth Dupree","@id":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/#\/schema\/person\/cc45b2aa772d84ed9f82ebe9f6958ef6"},"headline":"How to Choose a Financial Advisor: Fee-Based vs. Commission and What Retirees Need to Know","datePublished":"2025-12-06T18:50:39+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/"},"wordCount":2543,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Podcast_Image-001.webp","articleSection":["Podcasts"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/","url":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/","name":"How to Choose a Financial Advisor: Fee-Based vs. Commission and What Retirees Need to Know - Dupree Financial","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Podcast_Image-001.webp","datePublished":"2025-12-06T18:50:39+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/#\/schema\/person\/cc45b2aa772d84ed9f82ebe9f6958ef6"},"description":"Learn how to choose a financial advisor for retirement. Discover the difference between fee-based and commission advisors, fiduciary standards, and red flags to avoid.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Podcast_Image-001.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Podcast_Image-001.webp","width":1400,"height":1400},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/how-to-choose-a-financial-advisor-fee-based-vs-commission-and-what-retirees-need-to-know\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How to Choose a Financial Advisor: Fee-Based vs. Commission and What Retirees Need to Know"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/","name":"Dupree Financial","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/#\/schema\/person\/cc45b2aa772d84ed9f82ebe9f6958ef6","name":"Elizabeth Dupree","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a751ec97297e7579e835cdaae5962a408fa732a09d1e64e7df4d0faaf3db8fdf?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a751ec97297e7579e835cdaae5962a408fa732a09d1e64e7df4d0faaf3db8fdf?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a751ec97297e7579e835cdaae5962a408fa732a09d1e64e7df4d0faaf3db8fdf?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Elizabeth Dupree"},"url":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/author\/elizabeth\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6956","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6956"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6956\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6962,"href":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6956\/revisions\/6962"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5833"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6956"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6956"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dupreefinancial.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6956"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}