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The Global Insight

Does a financial advisor manage stocks?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on March 10, 2026

While not all financial advisors can actually trade actual securities, such as stocks or bonds, they can act as your liaison with a broker or money manager who does. They can also work with a trust and estate planning lawyer or an accountant on your behalf.

Do you have to pay an advisor to manage your investments?

There are three ways financial advisors get paid: Fee-only advisors charge an annual, hourly or flat fee. Commission-based advisors are paid through the investments they sell. Fee-based advisors earn a combination of a fee, plus commissions.

Do financial advisors manage portfolio?

Most advisors operate with model portfolios, which they adapt to suit individual clients’ needs and preferences. Clients should have a basic understanding of their advisors’ investment approach and method of compensation—the latter can affect asset selection.

Are financial advisors Investment Advisors?

While investment advisors and financial advisors may walk the same and quack the same, they are not the same duck. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) have clearly defined investment advisors as distinct from financial advisors.

What can a financial advisor do for You?

Services available through the firm’s various individual-centric programs include wealth planning, investment management, retirement planning and advice, risk management, tax review, estate planning, charitable gift planning, cash flow planning and more. Certain on-staff advisors at CAPTRUST can earn commissions from insurance sales.

What’s the difference between a financial advisor and a ria?

A financial advisor is not the same thing as a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). An RIA advises individuals on investments and actively manages their portfolios, usually receiving a percentage of the assets’ worth in compensation.

Why do financial advisors charge so much money?

Typical financial advisor fees average higher the more complex your finances are. If you own several pieces of property and your own business, you’ll most likely pay more in advisory fees than a couple that only owns one house and is just starting their investment journey. What Do You Get for the Money Management Fees You Pay?

Where can I Find my financial advisor’s advisory fees?

Occasionally, advisory fees will also be listed on a firm’s home page. You can also reference a firm’s Form ADV, which is a standard Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) form used by investment advisors for registration with the SEC. This is a helpful way to find fees and do an investment fees comparison between financial advisors.