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Most investors begin their search for a financial advisor by asking a familiar question: "What do you charge?"

It's understandable — but it's the wrong place to start.

The better question is simpler and more revealing: "What type of financial advisory service do I need?"

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Until you answer that, conversations about fees, compensation models and even which advisors to consider are premature.

Start with the service you need and want — not the fee

Financial advice generally falls into three distinct service models.…