Founded in Wisconsin, the firm operates as a fee-only registered investment advisor (RIA), so it earns revenue solely from client fees rather than commissions or product sales. Annex is a fiduciary, so it is obligated to act in clients’ best interests.
Instead of providing automated portfolios, Annex has a team-based approach by connecting clients with dedicated specialists, including wealth managers, financial planners, investment managers, and client service managers, who collaborate to create a comprehensive financial strategy.
Portfolios are professionally managed and typically diversified across mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and other securities.
The firm integrates investment management with broader financial planning, including retirement income planning, tax and estate coordination, education funding, and business succession planning.
Annex Wealth Management is a full-service, advisor-driven alternative to robo-advisors. It is designed for investors who prioritize personal relationships, tailored strategies, and long-term planning support over automated investing tools.
What are the pros and cons of Annex Wealth Management?
Annex Wealth Management has clear advantages for clients seeking tailored guidance, but its structure may not appeal to those who prefer digital automation or low-cost investing.
Below are the pros and cons of what potential clients can expect.
The pros of Annex Wealth Management:
Comprehensive, advisor-led approach: Clients receive access to a full advisory team, including a wealth manager, financial planner, and investment specialist, who coordinate customized strategies across investments, taxes, and estate needs.
Fiduciary and fee-only structure: Annex is a fiduciary and doesn’t earn commission from selling financial products, helping to reduce potential conflicts of interest.
Integrated financial planning: Its service goes beyond investment management to include retirement income planning, tax strategies, insurance, and estate coordination, offering a holistic approach.
Local offices with national access: Annex has offices across Wisconsin and other areas in the Midwest, while helping clients remotely via digital communication tools.
The cons of Annex Wealth Management:
Higher entry point than digital platforms: Annex may require larger portfolios than robo-advisors that cater to those with small portfolios.
No automated or self-directed option: The firm focuses entirely on advisor-led planning, without algorithm-based investment tools for hands-off users.
Limited online account features: While clients can communicate digitally, the platform doesn’t include an integrated app for self-management or real-time trading.
Annex Wealth Management’s strength lies in its personalized, fiduciary-based approach that integrates every part of a client’s financial life. However, it is better suited for investors seeking direct human guidance rather than a low-cost, fully digital experience.
Annex Wealth Management fees: how much does it cost?
Annex Wealth Management has a straightforward, fee-only pricing model.
Instead of earning commission, the firm charges a percentage of assets under management (AUM) or a flat planning fee, depending on the service level.
Fees are negotiable but capped at 1.5% per year, with most clients typically paying around 1%. Separate custodial and trading costs may also apply.
Comprehensive Wealth Management / Private Client / Limited Discretionary Management
Fees are charged as a percentage of assets under management (AUM).
Negotiable based on portfolio size and service level.
Maximum fee: up to 1.5% annually.
Typical fee: around 1% per year.
Billed quarterly in advance.
Ignite by Annex (advisor-supported digital program)
Flat percentage of AUM.
Fee: up to 1.25% annually.
Includes digital planning tools plus advisor support.
No account minimums.
Consulting / Financial planning only
Flat, one-time fee.
Starting at $1,000 per plan.
Used for one-time financial plans or limited advisory engagements without investment management.
Other fees (third-party costs)
Custodial and transaction-related charges vary by provider.
May include:
Annex Wealth Management’s pricing is broadly aligned with traditional fiduciary advisory firms.
The firm charges a negotiable percentage of AUM, which is typically around 1% and capped at 1.5% per year, covering investment management and ongoing financial planning.
The Ignite by Annex program, a digital advisory tier within the same organization, offers a simple structure with a maximum fee of 1.25% and no minimum balance requirement. Clients looking for one-time planning can pay a flat fee starting at $1,000.
While these rates are competitive for a human-advisor service, investors should expect extra third-party costs such as fund expense ratios and custodial fees, which can increase the cost of investing.
What is Annex Wealth Management’s minimum account size?
Annex Wealth Management does not set one account minimum across all its advisory programs.
Instead, the required opening balance depends on the service tier and scope of engagement. This flexible approach allows the firm to serve both high-net-worth households and clients using a financial advisor for the first time.
| Service tier | Minimum account size | Additional notes |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Wealth Management (core advisory services) | No minimum. | Entry level may vary by portfolio size and service scope. |
| Annex Private Client | $5 million in investable assets or$10 million in net worth. | For high and ultra-high-net-worth clients seeking advanced planning and estate coordination. |
| Ignite by Annex | No account minimum. | Digital, advisor-supported program for all investors. |
| Consulting/financial planning only | No asset minimum; flat fee starting at $1,000. | One-time or limited-scope planning engagements without managed assets. |
Annex Wealth Management has no universal minimum balance, offering options for new and affluent investors.
The Private Client program targets ultra-high-net-worth households, while Ignite by Annex has no balance requirements for accessibility. Flat-fee consulting starts at $1,000 and provides access for clients seeking one-off financial advice.
Who should choose Annex Wealth Management?
Annex Wealth Management is best suited for investors who want personalized, advisor-led financial planning with a focus on long-term goals and fiduciary care.
It appeals to individuals and families that seek to coordinate investments, taxes, estate planning, and retirement strategies rather than managing each area separately.
Annex Wealth Management works well for:
Investors seeking comprehensive guidance: It is ideal for those who prefer hands-on advisor relationships and access to specialists in wealth, tax, and estate planning.
Clients that value fiduciary, fee-only advice: Ideal for individuals who want recommendations that are not linked to product commission or sales incentives.
Pre-retirees and retirees: The firm’s retirement income and distribution planning make it a strong fit for clients approaching or living in retirement.
High-net-worth households: Its Private Client service is for investors with at least $5 million in investable assets or $10 million in net worth, offering advanced legacy and tax strategies.
Investors wanting consistent, ongoing support: Annex has dedicated service teams and regular client reviews rather than one-time consultations.
Annex Wealth Management may not benefit:
Investors seeking low-cost, digital investing solutions: Those who prefer automated, robo-advisory services with lower fees.
Self-directed investors: People who want to manage their own portfolios without the need for ongoing advisor support.
Investors with small portfolios or limited assets: Investors who have small portfolios and don’t need a full-service wealth management firm may find lower-cost alternatives more suitable.
Annex Wealth Management: Is it secure?
Yes, Annex Wealth Management is a secure platform for wealth management and investment services. The firm takes robust measures to protect client data and assets, adhering to industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Clients’ assets are held by trusted third-party custodians, such as Fidelity, an SEC-registered custodian, and are protected by Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) insurance up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for cash). This coverage safeguards client funds in the event of broker failure but does not cover market losses.
As a fiduciary and SEC-registered investment advisor, Annex is legally required to act in clients' best interests. It has privacy protocols to protect sensitive client information and uses encryption to secure communications.
Annex also monitors accounts for suspicious activity and employs security measures to prevent unauthorized access to client data. While no online platform is completely risk-free, Annex’s security features are consistent with those of major financial institutions.
Annex Wealth Management: Customer service
Annex Wealth Management provides client support via in-house advisory and service teams.
Each client works with a dedicated wealth manager and client service manager, who handles communication, account questions, and administrative needs. This team-based structure allows clients to maintain regular contact with professionals familiar with their financial plans.
The firm’s Ignite by Annex program offers similar access through a centralized support team. Clients can get in touch by phone, email, or online meetings for account reviews and service requests. This combines digital convenience with human advisor assistance.
Annex is quick to respond to client requests and aims to ensure that each client receives a follow-up from the dedicated advisory team.
Is Annex Wealth Management worth it?
Annex Wealth Management is well suited to investors who want a traditional, advisor-led approach with coordinated support across investments, retirement planning, tax strategy, and estate needs.
Its fiduciary, fee-only model appeals to those who value personal guidance and long-term financial planning. However, its advisory fees may be higher than some options, and it offers fewer digital tools for hands-on or cost-focused investors.
Alternatives worth comparing include EP Wealth Advisors for personalized planning depth, Mariner Wealth Advisors for broad nationwide advisory support, Creative Planning for integrated tax and estate services, Mercer Advisors for family office capabilities, and Vanguard Personal Advisor Services for a more cost-efficient hybrid model.
Get expert financial advice
Annex Wealth Management is a strong choice for investors who want advisor-led financial planning and long-term guidance from a fiduciary firm. Its personalized approach and comprehensive services suit those with more complex financial needs, while cost-focused or fully digital investors may prefer simpler alternatives.
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