Southwestern Advisory Group

The Most Trusted Brand in Financial Advice™

Transparency, Honesty, Trust

At Southwestern, they’re more than qualities we aspire towards; they’re the core foundations on which we’ve built our business. We establish trust with our clients through the relationships we build with them. Our commitment to transparency and honesty is evident in our fee structure.

Schedule your consultation today to see how we put our values into practice.

Why Choose Us

Timely Support

Our support staff is always happy to assist you, whether you have questions about your accounts or need help scheduling an appointment with one of our advisors.

Innovative Ideas

While some firms are bound by a limited product line, we offer a wide range of financial solutions, meaning our clients aren’t boxed into a one-size-fits-all plan.

Client-Centered Focus

We don’t rely on generic formulas or check-the-box approaches. Instead, we take the time to listen to our clients and develop a strategy tailored to them.

Clear Communication

Our dedication to communication guides our client relationships every step of the way. From day one, our process will be laid out clearly and concisely.

Timely Support

Our support staff is always happy to assist you, whether you have questions about your accounts or need help scheduling an appointment with one of our advisors.

Innovative Ideas

While some firms are bound by a limited product line, we offer a wide range of financial solutions, meaning our clients aren’t boxed into a one-size-fits-all plan.

Client-Centered Focus

We don’t rely on generic formulas or check-the-box approaches. Instead, we take the time to listen to our clients and develop a strategy tailored to them.

Clear Communication

Our dedication to communication guides our client relationships every step of the way. From day one, our process will be laid out clearly and concisely.

What Makes Southwestern Different?

We see our clients as more than just names in a database, and we’re dedicated to building strong, personal relationships with them to ensure we’re guiding them along the most efficient path toward their goals.

Unlike other firms, we don’t rely on hidden fees, commissions, or other profit-driven tactics; our focus is entirely on your financial success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process of working with Southwestern?

We start by talking to our clients and getting a clear understanding of their unique situation. This includes gathering important details about their finances and values.

Next, we work closely with our clients to define their current goals and objectives. We make sure everything is written down clearly so there’s no confusion.

Once we confirm that the goals and objectives match the client’s values, our team creates and recommends strategies to help them achieve success. We provide a focused and straightforward plan to reach their goals.

How do I know if Southwestern is right for me?

If you’re facing a decision about your assets, investments, or property, we’re here to help. Whether it’s a goal you’re working toward, a question you have, or a concern you’re dealing with, we can help make the decision-making process easier.

We provide honest answers, thoughtful recommendations, and practical solutions to help your financial dreams become an everyday reality.

I've never paid advice fees before, why would I pay them now?

The truth is, all firms charge fees – whether they clearly tell you or not – or earn commissions on products that may not align with your best interests.

We believe in being upfront about our fees. You won’t find any hidden costs or surprises with us.

How much does it cost to Work with Southwestern?

We charge for our services on an hourly basis, with rates depending on the team member assisting you. Below is our rate schedule:

 

  • President
    Hourly Engagement Rate: $300
    Travel Rate: $240
  • Vice President(s)
    Hourly Engagement Rate: $240
    Travel Rate: $120
  • Paraplanner(s) or Associate(s)
    Hourly Engagement Rate: $180
    Travel Rate: $90
  • Professional Administrative
    Hourly Engagement Rate: $120
    Travel Rate: $60
  • General Administrative
    Hourly Engagement Rate: $60
    Travel Rate: $30

For all hourly engagements, a yearly retainer is required. This retainer is based on your total net worth minus the value of your primary home and any privately owned businesses you actively manage.

We also offer a “Legacy Base” annual retainer of $300 for clients with less than $60,000 in Advised Assets who previously worked with Southwestern Advisory Group, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services and/or Southwestern Retirement Plan Services.

If your case involves multiple team members, we may combine their hourly rates based on the above schedule.

For consultations requiring travel, we bill for travel time at the rates listed above. Additional travel costs like mileage (currently $0.54/mile based on the IRS standard), airfare, car rentals, parking, and lodging will be billed at actual cost.

We aim to keep travel costs reasonable:

  • Airfare will be economy class.
  • Lodging will be in standard hotels (not luxury).
  • Car rentals will be full-size sedans (not SUVs or luxury vehicles).

Finally, excluding travel expenses, we ensure that your total fees will not exceed 2% of Advised Assets in the first year and 1% in the following years.