SWM Independence

Schwallier Wealth Management was founded to serve clients directly without the trappings of a broker-dealer. As a fiduciary, SWM is required to always work in the client's best interests and fully disclose any conflicts of interest.

As a fee-only firm, SWM works directly for clients and never accepts any commission revenue that may create a conflict of interest. Using this approach, the firm has grown from a single-advisor office to a multiple-advisor team with a robust staff.

The Fee-Only Difference

How an advisor is compensated is extremely important because it can have a major influence on the advice they give to their clients.

There are three types of compensation arrangements for financial advisors:

1. Fee-Based

A fee-based compensation arrangement is any relationship where the advisor’s compensation is based on receiving compensation from multiple sources. There may be a fee charged for assets under management. Because there are multiple types of compensation, there is potential for confusion and conflicts.

Schwallier Wealth Management is not fee-based.

2. Commission-Based

A commission-based compensation arrangement is any relationship where the advisor’s compensation is based on the buying and selling of an investment product or other security. Compensation is generally linked to activity. Commission-based relationships have a high potential for conflict of interest.

Schwallier Wealth Management does not accept commissions.

3. Fee-Only

Schwallier Wealth Management is a fee-only investment advisory firm.

A fee-only compensation arrangement is a relationship where the advisor’s compensation is paid only by the client. The fee is generally calculated as a percent of the assets under management, an annual retainer, or an hourly billing rate. Because no commissions are paid to the advisor, fee-only compensation has the least potential for conflict of interest.

Schwallier Wealth Management works best for you as a fee-only fiduciary.