A percentage tells you very little until you turn it into dollars. On a $2 million portfolio, annual rates of 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1.00% equal $10,000, $15,000, and $20,000. Fund expenses and other costs may apply in addition to the advisor's fee.
The SEC's investor education site recommends asking how an advisor is paid, what ongoing fees apply, and how the costs compare with other options. A registered investment adviser's Form ADV brochure must describe its compensation, fee schedule, billing method, and other costs clients may pay.
Start with annual dollars
Representative fees under GTF's published schedule
| Managed household assets | Published annual rate | Minimum annual fee | Representative annual GTF fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| $750,000 | 0.75% | $5,000 | $5,625 |
| $1 million | 0.50% | $7,500 | $7,500 |
| $1.5 million | 0.50% | $7,500 | $7,500 |
| $2 million | 0.50% | $7,500 | $10,000 |
| $3 million | 0.40% | $12,500 | $12,500 |
| $5 million | 0.30% | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| $7 million | 0.30% | $20,000 | $21,000 |
GTF uses a breakpoint schedule. The applicable rate is charged on the entire billable household balance, subject to the minimum for that band. These examples use the schedule published on August 25, 2026. Current agreements and filed disclosures control.
Read the schedule carefully
Breakpoint and marginal schedules produce different answers
A breakpoint schedule applies one rate to the entire billable balance after the household reaches a stated band. A marginal schedule applies each rate only to assets within its tier. Ask the advisor which method applies, then request one annual dollar example based on your expected balance.
Minimum fees matter too. A 0.40% quoted rate on $3 million equals $12,000, but GTF's published $12,500 minimum for that band makes the representative annual fee $12,500.
Compare the full cost
Ask for these figures in writing
- The annual advisor fee in dollars at your expected balance
- The rate method, billing frequency, and any minimum fee
- Fund expense ratios and separate manager expenses
- Custody, platform, transaction, and account charges
- Planning fees charged outside the investment fee
- Services included and the people who will provide them
Also ask how the fee changes when assets rise or fall, when a major account remains in a workplace plan, or when cash, land, a business, or another asset needs planning but is not managed by the advisor.
Compare scope with price
Know what the annual fee buys
Two advisors can quote the same dollar fee and provide different work. Identify whether the engagement includes retirement income, tax planning, estate and beneficiary coordination, charitable planning, business or farm decisions, insurance review, and contact with your attorney or accountant.
Families within roughly 100 miles of Savannah can use GTF's published schedule as one clear comparison point. The fit review is designed to determine whether the work you need matches the way GTF serves clients.
Verify the documents
Use the public record before signing
Review the advisor's current Form ADV brochure through the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure site. Compare the brochure with the written proposal and advisory agreement. Ask the advisor to explain any difference before you sign.
- Investor.gov: Understanding Fees
- Investor.gov: Form ADV brochure guide
- Greater Than Financial's public IAPD record
This article explains a comparison method and GTF's published fee examples. It is not a recommendation to hire a particular advisor or use a particular investment strategy.