
Hiring a financial advisor can feel like buying peace of mind, but it’s important to understand exactly how that relationship works. While many people assume fees are limited to the percentage of assets under management or a flat planning charge, that’s rarely the full story. In reality, advisors make money in ways that aren’t always obvious to clients. Some of these methods are perfectly legal and even standard in the industry, but they can create conflicts of interest if you’re not aware of them. Here are seven hidden ways advisors make money beyond what you see.