Choosing a financial advisor is a big decision, and understanding how they're compensated is a key part of finding the right fit for you and your needs. In 2025, the demand for flexible, transparent financial guidance is higher than ever, leading more people to explore hourly financial planning.

But how do you find one? I'm Zach, and I'm here to walk through the top resources for finding hourly financial planners and understanding different fee structures you'll see with other planners and advisors.

Why Consider Hourly Financial Planning?

Hourly financial planning offers a clear-cut approach: you pay for the advice you need, when you need it, without asset minimums or long-term commitments. This model can be appealing if you:

• Want specific advice on a single issue (e.g., budgeting, retirement projection, student loan strategy).

• Prefer to pay for advice directly, rather than through commissions or a percentage of your assets.

• Are looking for transparency in how your advisor is compensated.

• Have a limited budget and want to control your costs.

Top Resources for Finding an Hourly Financial Planner

Finding an advisor who charges by the hour can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but luckily, there are resources dedicated to directing you to fee-only, hourly professionals.

1. NAPFA (National Association of Personal Financial Advisors)

NAPFA is a premier organization for Fee-Only financial advisors, meaning they are compensated directly by their clients and do not receive commissions.

• How to Use It: Go to the "Find an Advisor" tab on their website. You can then filter by "Hourly" as a compensation method. Enter your zip code, and the platform will present you with advisors who work on an hourly basis, ranked by proximity to you.

• Why It's Great: NAPFA's strict fee-only standard provides a high level of trust and transparency.

2. Garrett Planning Network

The Garrett Planning Network pioneered the concept of hourly financial planning in the late 1990s. They have a commitment to making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all kinds of people.

• How to Use It: Visit their website and use their "Find an Advisor" tool. Garrett advisors often offer more flexible fee models than some networks, making them a great starting point for those looking for pay-as-you-go advice.

• Why It's Great: You're connecting with advisors who specialize in, and are committed to, the hourly model.

3. XY Planning Network (XYPN)

XYPN focuses on serving younger generations and offers a wide array of planning services. While they don't have a direct "hourly-only" filter, it's still a valuable resource.

• How to Use It: On their "Find an Advisor" tab, you'll see a long list of advisors. Since there's no direct "hourly" filter, you'll need to use a little trick:

  • On a Mac: Hit Command + F

  • On a PC: Hit Control + F

  • This will bring up a search bar. Type "hourly" into the search box to find advisors who mention hourly services in their profiles.

• Why It's Great: You'll find advisors who cater to specific niches and modern financial challenges. Be prepared for a bit of a longer search process, as you might need to check multiple pages.

Understanding Different Financial Advisor Fee Structures

As you search for an advisor, it's helpful to understand the three primary ways financial advisors are compensated. Each has its own implications for how advice is delivered and paid for.

• 1. Commission-Based Advisors:

  • How it Works: These advisors earn a commission when you purchase specific financial products, like mutual funds, insurance policies, or annuities.

  • What to Consider: While not inherently bad, it is natural to wonder if the advice you receive is truly the best path for you, or if it's influenced by the commissions the advisor stands to earn.

• 2. Assets Under Management (AUM) Fee:

  • How it Works: This is a common model where the advisor charges a percentage of the assets they manage for you (e.g., 1% of your investment portfolio).

  • What to Consider: Your bill is directly tied to the size of your assets, meaning the more money you have with them, the higher your fee. It also requires a significant level of trust to hand over a large portion of your net worth for management.

• 3. Hourly Fees:

  • How it Works: You pay a set hourly rate for the time the advisor spends working on your financial plan, regardless of the products you buy or the assets you have.

  • What to Consider: The primary "drawback" some clients worry about is the potential for tasks to take longer, thus increasing the cost. However, a good hourly advisor will be highly transparent about their time and provide clear estimates, ensuring you only pay for the exact guidance you need. This model offers flexibility and cost control.

Your Path to Financial Clarity

Finding the right financial planner doesn't have to be overwhelming. By utilizing the resources above and understanding the different fee structures, you can confidently navigate your options and find an advisor who aligns with your financial preferences and goals.

Ready to experience financial guidance that is straightforward, transparent, and completely tailored to you?

At Barrett FP LLC, we offer expert financial planning on an hourly basis, focused entirely on helping you achieve your goals.