An advisor fee and service model belong in the same comparison. The same percentage can represent very different work, and different fee methods can support similar service.
So define what you will receive: planning updates, meetings, investment monitoring, administration, claims support, tax coordination or access between reviews. Add expected response times and who performs each task. Then place the annual rand cost beside that scope.
Distinguish promised service from activity that would happen anyway, such as an automatic provider statement. Also separate advice from investment management and product administration, which may carry their own fees.
Try this now
Complete a two-column table headed “promised” and “delivered in the last year”. Use dated evidence: meetings, advice records, completed changes and resolved administration. Discuss any gap before deciding its meaning.
Ask your advisor
- Which ongoing services are included at my current fee?
- How often should each occur?
- What would change under a lower or higher service level?
- How can either of us end or alter the agreement?
Value is not measured only by transactions or market performance. It is the fit between useful professional work, reliable service and a clear cost.