Founded in 2013 by financial strategist Barry Ritholtz and a team of advisors, the firm combines evidence-based investing with behavioral finance principles to help clients make disciplined, long-term decisions.
Ritholtz Wealth Management builds globally diversified portfolios of low-cost exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and index funds tailored to each client’s goals, time horizon, and risk appetite.
The firm’s portfolios span five core strategies, which are Viking, Mariner, Explorer, Pioneer, and Voyager, which range from conservative to aggressive asset allocations.
Each portfolio blends fixed income and global equities in different proportions to balance risk and return. Portfolios are actively monitored and periodically rebalanced to maintain the desired asset allocation.
Clients receive comprehensive, advisor-led guidance that integrates investment management, retirement and tax-efficient planning, and coordination with other professionals, such as accountants and estate attorneys.
RWM also offers Liftoff, a digital investment platform for new investors seeking professionally managed portfolios with a lower entry point. These services make Ritholtz Wealth Management a full-service fiduciary firm focused on transparent, long-term wealth planning.
What are the pros and cons of Ritholtz Wealth Management?
Ritholtz Wealth Management specializes in portfolio management for individuals and businesses, offering a goals-based approach that combines evidence-based investing with personalized financial planning.
The company focuses on disciplined, long-term portfolio construction supported by professional advisors rather than automated tools.
Its key strengths include diversified ETF portfolios, behavioral coaching, and comprehensive planning support. However, the service has higher account minimums than robo-advisors and doesn’t have a proprietary digital platform for account management.
The pros of Ritholtz Wealth Management
SEC-registered investment advisor: RWM offers portfolio management and financial planning services under the regulatory framework of an SEC-registered advisory firm.
Evidence-based investment philosophy: Portfolios are built from diversified, low-cost ETFs and index funds, focusing on consistency over short-term trading.
Comprehensive financial planning: Advisors provide coordinated retirement, tax, and estate planning to align investments with clients’ broader financial goals.
Digital access through Liftoff: The Liftoff platform allows new investors to start with a small portfolio while still receiving professional portfolio management.
The cons of Ritholtz Wealth Management
Higher account minimums: RWM targets clients with bigger investable assets, which may limit accessibility for new investors.
Relatively higher Liftoff fee: The total annual fee for Liftoff is up to 0.5% of assets under management (AUM), which is higher than the average cost of many robo-advisors.
Custodian-based account access: Clients’ assets are typically held with independent custodians such as Charles Schwab or Fidelity and accessed via these platforms rather than a proprietary RWM interface.
Variable fees: Advisory costs differ by portfolio size and service arrangement, which may make direct cost comparisons more difficult.
Ritholtz Wealth Management is best suited for investors seeking an advisor-led, research-driven approach to portfolio management and financial planning. Those who prefer automated investing, lower fees, or an integrated digital platform may find robo-advisors a more suitable alternative.
Ritholtz Wealth Management fees: how much does it cost?
Ritholtz Wealth Management (RWM) charges between 1.25% and 0.35% of assets under management (AUM) for its standard advisory service, with lower fees applying to larger portfolios. This pricing places RWM in line with traditional financial advisory firms that provide personalized advice and long-term financial planning, rather than competing with low-cost robo-advisors.
RWM uses a tiered fee structure for investment management and separate pricing for planning-only engagements and automated services.
Standard advisory accounts (full-service portfolio management)
RWM’s advisory accounts include investment management and ongoing guidance from a financial advisor. Fees are billed quarterly in advance:
| Portfolio size | Annual advisory fee |
|---|---|
| Up to $1.99 million | 1.25% |
| $2 million – $2.99 million | 1.00% |
| $3 million – $4.99 million | 0.85% |
| $5 million – $9.99 million | 0.75% |
| $10 million – $19.99 million | 0.65% |
| $20 million – $49.99 million | 0.45% |
| Over $49.99 million | 0.35% |
These fees follow a traditional wealth management model and include portfolio construction, ongoing monitoring, and access to an advisory team. While fees start higher than some competitors at lower balances, they become more competitive for clients with multimillion-dollar portfolios.
Good Advice (automated wealth management)
Good Advice is RWM’s lower-cost advisory option that includes automated portfolio management with advisor oversight.
Fee: Up to 0.75% of AUM
Service type: Automated portfolios with advisor oversight
Who it suits: Investors who want a lower-cost alternative to full advisory service but still want guidance beyond a standard robo-advisor.
Liftoff (automated advisory via Betterment)
Liftoff is the firm’s entry-level digital platform powered by Betterment technology.
Fee: Up to 0.50% of AUM (including Betterment platform fees)
Service type: Digital portfolios with automated rebalancing
Who it suits: New investors and those starting with smaller balances.
Retirement plan consulting
RWM provides fiduciary oversight and investment support for workplace retirement plans.
Fee: Up to 1% of plan assets or a negotiated flat fee
Who it suits: Business owners and organizations needing 401(k) or corporate plan support.
College financial planning
The firm also offers project-based planning services for education funding.
Fee: Flat fee up to $4,000 (25% discount for current clients)
Who it suits: Families seeking one-time, education-focused financial planning.
Other costs
In addition to advisory fees, clients may pay common investment-related expenses such as:
ETF and mutual fund expense ratios: These are built into the cost of the underlying funds used in portfolios.
Custodian or brokerage fees: These may apply for account maintenance or transactions depending on the custodian.
These fees are standard across the industry and are not retained by Ritholtz Wealth Management.
What is Ritholtz Wealth Management’s minimum account size?
The minimum account size to work with a Ritholtz Wealth Management financial advisor is $1,000,000, which positions the firm as a better fit for established investors rather than beginners. However, Ritholtz also offers lower-minimum options for clients who want access to its investment philosophy without meeting the full advisory threshold.
Ritholtz Wealth Management minimums by service:
Liftoff – Automated investing
Minimum: $500
Advisor access: No direct advisor relationship
Review insight: A low-cost entry point, but limited personalization
Good Advice
Minimum: $25,000
Advisor access: Limited advisor support
Review insight: More guidance than a robo-advisor, but not full planning
Standard advisory accounts (full-service)
Minimum: $1,000,000
Advisor access: Yes – access to a dedicated Ritholtz advisor team
Review insight: Best suited for long-term investors who want customized advice and ongoing financial planning
Retirement plan consulting
Minimum: None (business clients)
Review insight: Designed for employers needing professional plan oversight
College financial planning
Minimum: No asset minimum
Review insight: Accessible option for households needing one-time advice
Ritholtz Wealth Management is not designed for entry-level investors. Its $1 million minimum for full advisory services reflects its focus on high-net-worth clients who want an advice-led relationship rather than a purely investment-only service.
Who should choose Ritholtz Wealth Management?
Ritholtz Wealth Management is ideal for investors seeking advisor-led portfolio management, long-term planning, and behavioural guidance rather than hands-off automation.
Its approach focuses on evidence-based investing, transparency, and disciplined wealth management supported by experienced financial advisors.
Ritholtz Wealth Management works well for:
High-net-worth and affluent investors: Clients with larger portfolios can benefit from comprehensive financial planning, personalized portfolio management, and direct access to an advisory team.
Long-term investors: The firm’s diversified ETF portfolios and disciplined rebalancing suit those focused on steady, long-term growth and wealth preservation.
Clients seeking holistic financial planning: RWM integrates investment management with tax-efficient strategies, retirement income projections, and estate coordination, providing a complete wealth solution.
Behaviorally minded investors: The firm’s advisors focus on financial discipline and education, helping clients avoid emotional decision-making during market volatility.
Ritholtz Wealth Management may not be suitable for:
Cost-sensitive investors: The advisory fees of up to 1.25% for smaller portfolios are higher than robo-advisors and may not appeal to those focused on lower costs.
Smaller or first-time investors: Services are designed primarily for clients with more complex financial needs and larger portfolios.
Active traders or DIY investors: The firm’s long-term, research-driven investment philosophy does not support frequent trading or individual stock selection.
Ritholtz Wealth Management: Is it secure?
Yes, Ritholtz Wealth Management is considered secure and operates under strict regulatory and custodial standards.
The firm is registered with the SEC and must follow fiduciary obligations, meaning it is legally required to act in clients’ best interests.
Client assets are held by independent custodians such as Charles Schwab and Fidelity, not by RWM directly. These custodians provide SIPC protection up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for cash) in the event of broker failure, along with security measures such as encryption, two-factor authentication and account monitoring. While no investment platform is entirely risk-free, Ritholtz’s use of reputable custodians and regulatory oversight offers a strong level of protection in line with industry standards.
Ritholtz Wealth Management review: What do real customers say?
Feedback about Ritholtz Wealth Management is generally favorable, especially among investors with substantial portfolios.
Many feel that the firm is suitable for high earners or individuals with several hundred thousand to a few million dollars in assets, who want to outsource financial planning and investment management. They frequently mention the firm’s advisory team, expertise and long-term stability as key advantages.
Some individuals on Reddit note the firm’s fee structure focuses more on those with larger portfolios, as fees start from 1.25% for AUM under $2 million and fall to 1% at higher balances, but these are not clearly explained beforehand.
A few individuals believe that greater fee transparency would be helpful for prospective clients when evaluating costs.
Others highlight Ritholtz Wealth Management’s strong communication, flagging the company’s active online and social media presence, which boosts its reputation in the financial advice sector.
Is Ritholtz Wealth Management worth it?
Ritholtz Wealth Management may be worth it for investors who want a planning-focused advisory firm that emphasizes long-term discipline, behavioral coaching and low-cost portfolios built with evidence-based investing.
However, the $1 million minimum and advisory fees may not suit every investor. Those comparing options may also look at Creative Planning, which offers deeper tax and estate planning services; Facet Wealth, which provides flat-fee financial planning with a dedicated CFP; Mariner Wealth Advisors, which offers a broader suite of private wealth services.
Get expert financial advice
Ritholtz Wealth Management is a strong choice for high-net-worth investors who want a disciplined, advisor-led approach and long-term planning support. Its evidence-based strategies and fiduciary guidance add value, though the higher fees and investment minimums make it better suited to clients with larger portfolios.
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