Avoiding Unnecessary Fees

How to Keep More of What You Earn

You work hard for your money—and your investments should, too. But many people don’t realize how much they’re losing to hidden or unnecessary fees. Over time, even small charges can quietly eat away at your returns, costing you tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The good news? These fees are often avoidable once you know what to look for.

Why Fees Matter So Much

Let’s say you invest $100,000 and earn 7% per year over 30 years:

• With no fees, your account could grow to $761,000.

• With just a 1.5% annual fee, that drops to $512,000.

• That’s a difference of nearly $250,000—just from fees.

Small percentages don’t feel like much in the moment—but over decades, they make a massive impact.

Common Investment Fees to Watch Out For

1. Advisor Fees (AUM Fees)

Many traditional financial advisors charge a percentage of your assets—often 1% per year or more. As your portfolio grows, so do their fees, even if their service doesn’t change. We offer flat-fee pricing instead, so you always know what you’re paying and why.

2. Fund Fees (Expense Ratios)

Mutual funds and ETFs come with internal costs. High-cost mutual funds can charge 1% or more, while low-cost index funds often charge as little as 0.03%. We help you choose investments that give you more value for your money.

3. Trading or Transaction Fees

Some brokers charge a fee every time you buy or sell an investment. These can add up fast—especially if you’re adjusting your portfolio frequently. We guide you toward low- or no-fee platforms and funds.

4. Commissions & Product Sales

Some advisors earn commissions by selling specific insurance policies, annuities, or funds. This can create conflicts of interest where advice is driven by profit—not your best interest. We are fee-only and independent—we don’t earn commissions from product sales.

How to Avoid These Fees

• Use low-cost index funds or ETFs

• Work with a flat-fee, fiduciary advisor

• Avoid actively managed funds with high expense ratios

• Understand what you’re being charged—and why

The more you understand your investment costs, the more you can keep in your pocket.

We Help You Cut the Waste

At Clegg Investment Services, we specialize in helping clients streamline their investment accounts, minimize fees, and build a plan that’s efficient and transparent. Our flat-fee model means you never pay more just because your account grows—and you always know what you’re getting.