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    How financial advisers are paid

    Knowing how an adviser earns helps you judge the advice.

    By the Happy Wallets team·Updated June 2026·3 min read

    Common models

    • A percentage of the money they manage for you.
    • A fixed or hourly fee for a piece of work.
    • A flat fee for an initial plan.

    Independent vs restricted

    Independent advisers can recommend products from across the whole market; restricted advisers work from a limited range. Always ask which you are dealing with.

    Frequently asked questions

    Should I pay a percentage or a fee?+
    It depends on the work and the size of your pot. For one-off planning, a fixed fee can be better value than an ongoing percentage.
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