Creative Planning vs. Fisher Investments: Who are they?
Creative Planning and Fisher Investments are both large independent registered investment advisors, but their services differ. Creative Planning, headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, expanded considerably in 2025, including its acquisition of SageView Advisory Group, bringing the combined firm to $640 billion in client assets and more than 80,000 private wealth clients.
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Creative Planning offers investment, tax, estate and financial planning, while Fisher Investments is more focused on investment management. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Fisher manages $441 billion as of June 2026, including more than $374 billion for private clients.
Fisher Investments vs. Creative Planning: What are the differences?
The biggest difference is how advice is delivered. Creative Planning Wealth Management coordinates investments with tax, estate and financial planning.
Fisher is more investment-led, with its Investment Policy Committee setting the broader strategy and portfolios adjusted around individual client needs.
For investors, Creative Planning is more planning-focused, while Fisher is more investment-focused.
Fisher Investments vs. Creative Planning: Fees and minimums
Both firms charge AUM-based fees that decrease as your portfolio grows, but Creative Planning’s standard investment management rates are generally lower, while Fisher has a more straightforward investment-focused fee structure.
Fee | Fisher Investments | Creative Planning |
|---|---|---|
Typical minimum | $1 million | No fixed minimum |
AUM fees | 1.00%–1.25% | 0.70%–1.20% |
Fee structure | AUM-based | AUM-based; other fees may apply |
Best suited to | Investment management | Broader wealth planning |
Fisher Investments fees
Fisher Investments fees start at 1.25% on the first $1 million, falling to 1.125% on the next $4 million and 1% above $5 million. Relationships below its typical $1 million minimum may be accepted at a higher rate.
Creative Planning fees
Creative Planning fees are also tiered, starting at 1.20% for the first $500,000 and falling as assets increase, reaching 0.70% for larger portfolios. Additional costs may apply depending on the services and investments used.
Creative Planning may offer more value if you need broader financial planning, while Fisher may suit you better if your priority is dedicated portfolio management.
Is Fisher Investments or Creative Planning better?
Fisher Investments stands out for dedicated client support but has a high investment minimum, while Creative Planning offers team-based advice across multiple financial areas but may come with additional costs.
Pros of Fisher Investments
- Personalized portfolios: Tailored to clients’ goals and circumstances.
- Research-led investing: Investment strategy is supported by in-house research.
- Dedicated support: Ongoing portfolio management and client contact.
Cons of Fisher Investments
- Higher fees: Typically charges 1%–1.25% for standard portfolios.
- Higher minimum: Typically targets clients with around $1 million or more.
- No brokerage platform: Focused on managed portfolios rather than DIY investing.
Pros of Creative Planning
- Broader planning: Investment, financial, tax and estate planning under one firm.
- Tiered fees: AUM rates decrease as portfolios grow.
- Team-based advice: Advisors can draw on specialists across different planning areas.
Cons of Creative Planning
- Additional costs: Third-party investment, brokerage or custody costs may apply.
- Potential conflicts: Some affiliated professionals can earn commissions from insurance products.
Fisher Investments vs. Creative Planning: Customer service
Both offer advisor-led support. Fisher provides a dedicated contact by phone, video or in person, while Creative Planning gives you access to a broader team of wealth management specialists.
Fisher may suit you if you value a dedicated point of contact, while Creative Planning offers broader specialist support.
Fisher Investments vs. Creative Planning: Online and mobile access
Both firms offer online account access. Fisher’s platform focuses on viewing portfolios and account information, while Creative Planning also has a mobile app for tracking investments, net worth, financial plans, insurance and goals.
Creative Planning offers more financial-planning features digitally, while Fisher’s platform is more investment-focused.
Creative Planning vs Fisher Investments: which should I choose?
Creative Planning may suit you if your finances are becoming more complex, such as needing tax planning, estate work or business-owner advice coordinated with your investments. Its planning-led model brings those specialists together in-house.
Fisher may suit you if portfolio management is the main reason you want an advisor. Its Investment Policy Committee sets the broader investment strategy, while your portfolio is tailored around factors such as cash flow, taxes and risk tolerance.
If neither model fits, Unbiased can match you with an SEC-regulated financial advisor based on your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Are Fisher Investments and Creative Planning fiduciaries?
Yes. Both are SEC-registered investment advisors and operate under a fiduciary duty when providing investment advisory services.
Are Fisher Investments and Creative Planning good companies?
Both are large, established advisory firms, but suitability depends on your needs. Fisher is more investment-focused, while Creative Planning offers a broader wealth management service.
Are Fisher Investments and Creative Planning safe?
Both operate within the regulated investment-adviser system. Fisher also uses independent third-party custodians, meaning client assets are held separately from the firm managing them.