Investing, with the
full plan in view.
The traditional industry default is a percentage-based AUM fee that scales with your balance regardless of complexity. We chose a different structure. Our AUM fee is capped at 0.79%, paired with a transparent flat membership, and built around tax-aware portfolios held in your own name.
Why It Matters
Built around you. Not your balance.
In the traditional 1% AUM model, the advisor's fee scales with the size of the balance. Our model holds the AUM fee at a hard cap and pairs it with a separate flat membership that prices the work, not the balance. Here is what that structure means in practice.
Lower fee drag, by design.
Our AUM fee is capped at 0.79% — below the 1.0%–1.5% range commonly cited as the industry norm. Over long horizons, the difference between fee structures may compound into a meaningful portion of total return, though the actual impact depends on the portfolio, the markets, and the period.
Aligned, not extractive.
A flat membership fee covers planning. AUM covers investment management. You always know what you are paying for — and why.
Institutional access, individually applied.
Direct indexing, selective alternatives, and disciplined portfolio construction — built around your tax picture, not a one-size model.
Coordinated with the rest of your plan.
Your portfolio is one of ten Practice Domains. Investing decisions move with your taxes, cash flow, and estate plan — not in isolation.
The Grounded Approach
Four building blocks. One coordinated portfolio.
GPS model portfolios
Globally diversified, low-cost core portfolios mapped to your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance.
GTAP direct indexing
For accounts $250K and above — own the index in a separately managed account to harvest losses and reduce tax drag.
Selective alternatives access
For qualified members, curated access to private credit, real estate, and structured strategies — with a fit screen, not a sales pitch.
Tax-aware execution
Asset location, lot-level harvesting, and rebalancing decisions made with your full tax picture in view.
The Fee Math
0.79%, capped — see how the math compares.
One percent sounds small. Compounded across long horizons, the gap between fee structures can be material. Choose a portfolio size and time horizon to model a hypothetical comparison.
Total Fees Paid
$730K
Final Portfolio
$6.3M
Fees as % of Gains
14%
Total Fees Paid
$654K
Final Portfolio
$6.5M
Fees as % of Gains
13%
Over 20 years, the difference in fees is
$76K
Approximately 10% less in fees with Grounded Wealth™.
Illustrative only. Assumes a hypothetical 7% annual growth rate, no contributions, and a representative Comprehensive-tier membership of $300/month plus an AUM fee capped at 0.79%. Actual fees, growth, and outcomes vary. Not a projection of future results.
0.79%
Maximum AUM fee
A hard cap. Not a starting point, not a negotiation, not a tier you graduate into.
Flat
Membership fee
Covers planning, the Grounded Life OS, and the Digital Practice Portal — independent of portfolio size.
$0
Commissions
Fee-only fiduciaries. We are not paid by the products we recommend — only by you.
What's Included
The Investment Marketplace.
Available as part of Advisory Wealth and Virtual Family Office. A coordinated set of investment capabilities — vetted, sized, and reviewed inside your full plan.
- Vetted investment opportunities
- Advisor-guided selection
- Portfolio fit and sizing analysis
- Tax-aware allocation
- Ongoing position reviews
- Coordinated execution across accounts
Side By Side
Traditional 1% vs. Grounded Wealth™
| Feature | Traditional 1% RIA | Grounded Wealth™ |
|---|---|---|
| AUM Fee | 1.0% – 1.5% (uncapped) | Capped at 0.79% |
| Planning Included | Sometimes — extra cost | |
| Direct Indexing | Often high minimums | |
| Selective Alternatives | Varies by firm | |
| Tax-Coordinated Investing | Varies by firm | |
| Fee-Only Fiduciary | Varies by firm | |
| Commission-Based Products | Varies by firm |
The 1.0%–1.5% AUM range cited reflects industry fee benchmarks reported by sources including Kitces Research and AdvisoryHQ; individual firms vary. The traditional column represents general industry practice, not any specific firm. The Grounded Wealth column reflects our published fee schedule. See our Form ADV Part 2A for full fee detail.
A capped fee.
A coordinated plan.
A short conversation is the simplest way to see whether coordinated, capped-fee investing fits your situation.
It starts with the book.
The Four Ways to Wealth introduces the framework that powers everything we do.
The Enough Number. The Practice Domains. The Grounded Flow™. The Life Dividends™. Many of our members read the book first. By the time they sit down with us, they already speak the language.
Compounded
Accelerated
Multiplied
Grounded
The book is in its final stage. Join the list and we'll let you know when it ships.