Fee-Only Financial Advisors in Calgary: Are They Worth It?

Curious about working with a fee-only financial advisor in Calgary? Here’s what it means, how it compares to commission models, and why it could save you thousands.

Financial advior in Calgary and client with text: Fee-Only Financial Advisors in Calgary: Are They Worth It?

Written by

Ryan Gubic

Published on

25

Jun 2025

Fee-Only Financial Advisors in Calgary: Are They Worth It?

If you’ve been researching financial advice, you’ve likely come across the term fee-only. But what does it mean — and why do so many people in Calgary prefer it?

Choosing a fee-only financial advisor in Calgary could be the difference between advice that serves you and advice that sells to you.

What Does Fee-Only Mean?

A fee-only financial advisor:

  • Is paid directly by you — not by commissions or third parties
  • Charges a flat fee, hourly rate, or a percentage of assets under management (AUM)
  • Offers unbiased advice, free from product-based incentives

This model creates full transparency — you know exactly what you’re paying for, and why.

How It Differs from Commission-Based Financial Advisors

Commission-based financial advisors often:

  • Earn compensation from selling mutual funds, insurance, or investment products
  • May recommend products that pay them more — regardless of what’s best for you
  • Appear “free” at first but may cost more in the long run through product fees

Fee-only advisors remove that conflict of interest — their only loyalty is to you.

Why Calgary Investors Are Choosing Fee-Only

More people in Calgary are switching to fee-only because they want:

  • Transparent, personalized financial advice
  • Tax strategies that benefit them — not the product provider
  • Confidence that their financial advisor isn’t being paid behind the scenes

It’s not about cost — it’s about value and trust.

What a Fee-Only Financial Advisor Can Help With

At MRG Wealth Management, we provide:

  • Investment planning tailored to your life stage
  • Corporate and retirement income strategies
  • Tax-efficient withdrawal planning
  • Portfolio risk management
  • Estate and legacy planning

And because we’re fee-only, there’s no guesswork around what’s driving our recommendations.

What to Ask Before Hiring a Fee-Only Financial Advisor

Make sure to ask:

  • Are you truly fee-only — or fee-based (a hybrid model)?
  • Do you act as a fiduciary in all circumstances?
  • What’s included in your fees — and what’s not?
  • How do you handle conflicts of interest?

True fee-only financial advisors in Calgary will answer these questions with clarity and confidence.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a fee-only financial advisor in Calgary puts you in the driver’s seat. You get clear, objective advice that’s focused solely on your goals — not on someone else’s sales targets.

At MRG Wealth Management, clients work with a fee-only financial advisor in Calgary, serving professionals, business owners, and families who want trusted financial guidance.

Looking for Unbiased Financial Advice in Calgary?

📅 Schedule a meeting with a financial advisor in Calgary and experience financial advice that’s built around you.

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Ryan Gubic is the founder of MRG Wealth Management Inc. operating as MRG Wealth (“MRG”) and is a Portfolio Manager with MRG investments of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (“ACPI”). The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of MRG, ACPI, or Ryan Gubic. This material is provided for general information and the opinions expressed and information provided herein are subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to compile this material from reliable sources however no warranty can be made as to its accuracy or completeness. Before acting on the information presented, seek professional financial advice based on your personal circumstances. ACPI is a full-service investment dealer and a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (“CIPF”) and the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (“CIRO”). Investment services are provided through MRG Investments, an approved trade name of ACPI. Only investment-related products and services are offered through MRG Investments of ACPI and covered by the CIPF.  Financial planning and insurance services are provided through MRG.  MRG is an independent company separate and distinct from MRG Investments of ACPI.  

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