Question 1

How does NerdWallet Advisors Match work?

Accepted Answer

Answer a few questions about yourself and your financial situation, and we'll match you with participating firms available to work with you. Once you have your matches, you can schedule introductory calls to select the best advisor for your situation. Answering our questions takes only a few minutes, and you don't need to create an account to use our matching service.

Question 2

Is NerdWallet Advisors Match really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Matching and the introductory calls cost you nothing. If you choose to work with an advisor, you pay that firm's standard advisory fees.

Question 3

How does NerdWallet Advisors Match make money from this?

Accepted Answer

Participating advisory firms pay NerdWallet Advisors Match a referral fee for introductions, which creates a financial incentive for NWA to refer users to participating firms and presents a conflict of interest. Some matches may also be made with NerdWallet Wealth Partners, an affiliated advisory firm, which presents additional conflicts of interest. You never pay us to be matched. For additional information regarding NWA's conflicts of interest and how they are addressed, please see NWA's Form ADV Part 2A Brochure.

Question 4

Do I need a financial advisor?

Accepted Answer

Not everyone does. A financial advisor may be helpful when your financial situation becomes more complex, such as when retirement is approaching, you receive equity compensation or an inheritance, sell a business, or are balancing multiple financial goals.

Question 5

How much does a financial advisor cost?

Accepted Answer

Most commonly, advisors charge an AUM fee, which is a percentage of the assets they manage for you. This is often around one percent a year. Some charge flat or hourly fees instead. Advisors should explain their fees, and you should ask questions to make sure you understand the fees you may pay.

Question 6

How much money do I need to work with an advisor?

Accepted Answer

There is no single number. Some firms have asset minimums and some do not. Your answers help us match you with firms, and we won't show you advisors who aren't willing to work with clients at your asset level.

Question 7

What is a fiduciary financial advisor?

Accepted Answer

A fiduciary is legally required to act in a client's best interest, and registered investment advisers owe their clients this duty under the Investment Advisers Act. Not all financial advisors are fiduciaries, which is why you should ask any advisor to confirm their fiduciary status in writing. Registered investment advisers are subject to fiduciary obligations, including duties of care and loyalty, and must address conflicts of interest, including through full and fair disclosure. That means a fiduciary duty does not prevent every conflict of interest, which is why we disclose ours.

Question 8

Can I work with my advisor remotely?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most offer the ability to meet by video. In-person meetings may also be available depending on the firm and its location.

Question 9

Am I committing to anything?

Accepted Answer

No. The introductory calls carry no obligation. Continue with an advisor you like, ask for different matches, or walk away.

Question 10

What will my advisor know about me?

Accepted Answer

Only what you share in your answers. We pass along a short summary so the first call starts ahead of zero, and we share your information only with the firms you are matched with. See our privacy policy for the details.

Question 11

What if I already have a financial advisor?

Accepted Answer

Then use the match as a second opinion. Comparing your current fees and financial plan with another firm's approach may provide a useful second perspective.

Move forward with financial confidence.

How NerdWallet Advisors Match works

Tell us about yourself

We find your matches

Talk it through, free

Nationwide service.

Good advice can change what's possible.

Your questions, answered.

Ready when you are.

Move forward with financial confidence.

How NerdWallet Advisors Match works

Tell us about yourself

We find your matches

Talk it through, free

Nationwide service.

Good advice can change what's possible.

Your questions, answered.

How does NerdWallet Advisors Match work?+−

Is NerdWallet Advisors Match really free?+−

How does NerdWallet Advisors Match make money from this?+−

Do I need a financial advisor?+−

How much does a financial advisor cost?+−

How much money do I need to work with an advisor?+−

What is a fiduciary financial advisor?+−

Can I work with my advisor remotely?+−

Am I committing to anything?+−

What will my advisor know about me?+−

What if I already have a financial advisor?+−

Ready when you are.