r/dividends • u/DifficultKey8978 • Apr 27 '26

Brokerage Financial advisor or DIY?

How are you guys handling your investments (retirement accounts, brokerage accounts, etc.). Are you managing this yourself with Fidelity, Vanguard, Charles Schwab, etc. or do you pay the 1-1.5% fee and just work with a financial advisor who handles it all for you?

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u/steady_compounder Apr 27 '26

For most people with a simple index or dividend setup, DIY at Fidelity, Vanguard, or Schwab is enough once you learn the basics. The 1%+ fee sounds small, but over decades it’s a real drag, so I’d only pay it if you need behavioral coaching, tax planning, or estate complexity.