Short answer
There's no set price. Adviser Ratings reported a median advice fee of $4,668 in 2025. Moneysmart's indicative example is $3,500 for a Statement of Advice, $1,500 to put the advice in place and $2,000 a year for ongoing advice. The first meeting is usually free.
Typical costs at a glance
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Median advice fee (2025) | $4,668, up 18% on the year before | Adviser Ratings, via Financial Newswire |
| Statement of Advice (example) | $3,500 | Moneysmart (indicative only) |
| Putting the advice in place (example) | $1,500 | Moneysmart (indicative only) |
| Ongoing advice (example) | $2,000 a year | Moneysmart (indicative only) |
| First meeting | Usually free | Moneysmart |
The ways advisers charge
Moneysmart lists these fee types. An adviser may use one or a mix.
| Fee type | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Statement of Advice fee | Preparing your written advice, called a Statement of Advice (SOA). |
| Implementation fee | Putting the advice in place, such as setting up accounts or changing investments. |
| Fee for service | A flat dollar amount for the work. |
| Asset-based fee | A percentage of the money the adviser looks after. |
| Ongoing fee | Continuing advice and service, usually charged yearly. |
| Review fee | Reviewing your advice or situation, for example once a year. |
| Hourly rate | Charging for the time spent. |
Ongoing advice is common. Adviser Ratings' 2025 research found 77% of advice relationships were ongoing and 23% were one-off (ifa).
What makes the cost go up or down
Advisers usually price advice by how much work it takes. A single question, like what to do with one super account, is generally less work than a full retirement plan covering super, the Age Pension, investments and insurance. Ask the adviser to explain what's included before you agree.
How you'll know what you're paying
- Financial Services Guide (FSG): an adviser must give you this. It explains the services they offer, how they're paid and how to complain.
- Statement of Advice (SOA): sets out the advice and what it will cost.
- Asking for fees as a dollar amount makes advisers easier to compare. See Moneysmart: financial advice costs.
Help that doesn't cost extra
Before paying for advice, it's worth knowing what's already available:
- Many super funds offer some advice to members, often included in your fees. Ask your fund what's covered.
- Services Australia runs a free Financial Information Service with information about the Age Pension and retirement.
- Moneysmart has free calculators and guides, including a retirement planner.
Where Meet My Adviser fits
The 30-minute introductory call costs you nothing. Meet My Adviser is paid a flat fee by the adviser for each booked introduction. If you decide to go ahead, the adviser quotes and charges their own fees, and you can say no. More about how we're paid.
Questions to ask about fees
- How much will the advice cost, in dollars?
- What's included, and what costs extra?
- Is there an ongoing fee? What do I get for it, and how do I stop it?
- Do you receive any commissions or other payments?
- Can the fee be paid from my super, and what does that mean for my balance?
Common questions
Is the first meeting with a financial adviser free?
Usually. Moneysmart says financial advisers don't usually charge you for the first meeting. Ask before you book to be sure.
How much does a financial adviser cost in Australia?
It varies by adviser and how complex your situation is. Adviser Ratings reported a median advice fee of $4,668 in 2025. Moneysmart's indicative example is $3,500 for a Statement of Advice, $1,500 to put it in place and $2,000 a year for ongoing advice.
How do financial advisers charge?
Common ways include a fee for the Statement of Advice, an implementation fee, a flat fee for service, a percentage of the money they manage, an ongoing fee, a review fee or an hourly rate.
Want to talk it through with a licensed adviser?
Book a free 30-minute call by phone, Zoom or in person. Advisers pay Meet My Adviser a fee for each introduction. Any advice you later choose to get is charged by the adviser, who must explain their fees first.
Book my free callSources
- Moneysmart: Financial advice costs
- Moneysmart: Choosing a financial adviser
- Financial Newswire: Median advice fees up 18% to $4,668 (Adviser Ratings, Aug 2025)
- ifa: More clients and more money (Adviser Ratings 2025)
This page is factual information only. Meet My Adviser is not licensed to give financial advice and doesn't recommend products. Figures are from the sources listed and can change; check the source for the latest.