Facet vs. Fisher Investments: what's the difference?
Founded in 2016, Facet, also known as Facet Wealth, provides comprehensive financial planning and investment management for a flat fee. Facet combines technology with human financial advice to provide holistic planning.
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On the other hand, Fisher Investments, founded by Ken Fisher in 1979 and headquartered in Plano, Texas, focuses on discretionary portfolio management for high-net-worth investors, typically targeting clients with $1 million or more and charging AUM-based fees.
The key difference is Facet charges flat fees for financial planning, while Fisher charges AUM-based fees for portfolio management.
What are Fisher Investments and Facet's specific investment strategies?
Fisher Investments uses an active, research-driven strategy, applying a top-down approach to build customized portfolios focused on long-term growth and market opportunities.
In contrast, Facet takes a hybrid approach, combining algorithm-driven investing with human advisors to create diversified portfolios aligned with individual goals and risk tolerance.
Fisher Investments vs. Facet: Fees and minimums
Fisher Investments and Facet use very different pricing models. Fisher charges an AUM-based fee and typically targets investors with $1 million or more, while Facet has no investment minimum and charges a flat annual fee.
Fisher Investments | Facet | |
|---|---|---|
Fee model | AUM-based | Flat annual fee |
Typical minimum | $1 million | $0 |
Fees | 1.00%–1.25% | $2,000–$6,000/year |
Fee tiers | Decrease as assets grow | Core, Plus, Complete |
Best for | HNW portfolio management | Planning-focused investors |
Fisher Investments fees are based on portfolio size: 1.25% on the first $1 million, 1.125% on the next $4 million and 1.00% above $5 million. Relationships below $1 million may be accepted at a higher 1.50% rate.
Facet fees work differently. There is no investment minimum, and annual fees range from $2,000 to $6,000. Core ($2,000) covers essential financial planning, Plus ($3,000) adds more comprehensive planning, and Complete ($6,000) is designed for more complex financial needs. Your fee does not automatically increase as your portfolio grows.
The key difference is how costs scale: Fisher becomes cheaper as a percentage as your portfolio grows, while Facet gives you a predictable annual cost regardless of how much you invest.
Is Fisher Investments or Facet better?
Fisher offers more established, actively managed investment management, but at a higher cost, while Facet stands out for flat-fee financial planning and lower barriers to entry. Here are the key pros and cons.
Pros of Fisher Investments
- Established firm: More than 40 years of investment management experience.
- Active management: Research-driven portfolio management.
- Dedicated support: Ongoing client relationship and portfolio guidance.
Cons of Fisher Investments
- Higher fees: AUM fees range from around 1% to 1.50%.
- Higher entry point: Typically targets investors with $1 million or more.
Pros of Facet
- Flat fees: Pricing does not increase with portfolio size.
- CFP professionals: Financial planning is provided by fiduciary CFPs.
- Broader accessibility: No investment minimum.
Cons of Facet
- Shorter track record: Founded in 2016.
- Virtual model: May not suit investors who prefer traditional in-person advice.
Are Fisher Investments and Facet safe?
Yes. Fisher Investments and Facet are SEC-registered investment advisors and use third-party custodians to hold client assets separately from the firms. Both also operate under fiduciary standards, providing regulatory oversight and safeguards for your investments.
Fisher Investments vs. Facet: Customer service
Fisher Investments gives you a dedicated contact for ongoing help with your portfolio. Facet provides virtual access to CFP professionals who can help with investments and broader financial planning.
Fisher is more investment-focused, while Facet offers broader planning support.
Fisher Investments vs. Facet: Online and mobile access
Both offer online access, but Fisher focuses on portfolio tracking, while Facet’s digital platform supports financial planning and virtual advisor meetings, making it more suited to digital-first users.
Fisher Investments or Facet: which should I choose?
Choose Fisher Investments if you have around $1 million or more and want discretionary portfolio management with dedicated support and an active investment approach.
Choose Facet if you want broader financial planning with predictable flat fees, no investment minimum and access to CFP professionals.
If neither fits your needs, Unbiased can match you with an SEC-regulated financial advisor.