AUM vs flat-fee calculator
Compare a percentage-based advisor fee with a flat annual fee. See total fees and projected balances over time, using the same return for both.
Sum of each year's AUM fee after growth
Sum of the fixed annual fee over the horizon
Positive means the AUM model costs more in fees over this period.
After 10 years of growth and AUM fees
After 10 years of growth and flat fees ($138,356 higher than AUM)
Total fees paid to advisor
Ending value of portfolio
Year-1 break-even balance. At 1% AUM and a $3,600 flat fee, the fees match at about $336,449 of portfolio value in year 1. Above that balance, the AUM fee costs more in year 1 dollars. Below it, the flat fee costs more in year 1 dollars.
Estimates only, not advice. Each year the model applies your expected return, then deducts the AUM percentage or the flat annual fee from that post-return balance. It does not model taxes, contributions, or withdrawals. Your actual costs depend on the advisor's fee schedule and what the fee includes.
Before choosing a fee model
Compare the quoted price, the services included, and the years you expect to use them.
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Use the actual fee schedule
Enter your quote. Tiered rates, quarterly billing, fund expenses and custody charges can differ from this annual model.
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Compare the same work
Software access, a financial plan, tax filing and ongoing portfolio management are separate services. List what each fee includes.
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Test the time horizon
Review both total fees and ending balances. Money paid in fees also stops compounding; neither outcome is a return forecast.
What the comparison tells you
Each year, both portfolios earn the same assumed return before one pays an asset-based fee and the other a flat amount. On a smaller balance, a percentage fee can cost less; on a larger balance, a flat fee can cost less. Actual scope and pricing still matter.
Nino offers AI software on its own or software with financial and tax services. See current plans and pricing before using a Nino price as a comparison input.