The short answer
Hourly financial planning typically costs $200–$300 per hour, with a typical rate around $250. Note that hourly is only one of several ways planners charge, and the fee model matters as much as the number. The market spread:
| Tier | Range | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Robo-advisor / app | Low % of assets | Automated allocation, minimal human advice. |
| Newer fee-only planner | $150–$225 | Hourly advice, specific questions, one-time plans. |
| Experienced CFP | $225–$350 | Comprehensive planning, tax-aware strategy, ongoing review. |
| Specialist / high-net-worth | $350–$450+ | Complex estate, equity comp, or business-owner planning. |
What actually moves the price
Fee model. This is the thing to understand first. Fee-only planners charge hourly, a flat plan fee, or a percentage of assets managed — and they don’t earn commissions on products they sell you. Commission-based advisors may look “free” but are paid by the products they recommend. Fee-only avoids that conflict; it’s usually worth paying directly for advice that isn’t steering you toward a sale.
Credentials. A CFP (Certified Financial Planner) has met education, exam, and ethics requirements and is held to a fiduciary standard when planning. That’s a meaningful bar and part of what the rate reflects.
Scope. A one-hour session to answer a specific question costs a fraction of a comprehensive plan covering retirement, tax, insurance, and estate. Decide whether you need an answer or an ongoing relationship, and talk to a licensed professional before acting on any strategy.
How this guide is priced
Figures are compiled from public rate listings and market data — see the source below and our data methodology. As Mindhyv grows, these ranges will be based on real, anonymized engagement data from the marketplace.
Before you hire
Read the financial planner hiring guide to understand fee models and the fiduciary question. For tax-specific strategy rather than whole-picture planning, compare it against what a tax advisor costs. Lay the fee models side by side with the Mindhyv tools before you commit to anything long-term.