Choosing a financial advisor isn’t something to rush. You’re trusting someone with your money, your goals, and often, your family’s future. Mariner Wealth Advisors is one of the largest independent wealth advisory firms in the U.S.—but before you hire them, here’s what you need to know.
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Who Is Mariner Wealth Advisors?
Mariner Wealth Advisors was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas. The firm has grown rapidly and now manages tens of billions in assets, with offices nationwide. They serve individuals, families, and business owners with a broad range of financial services, including:
- Investment management
- Financial planning
- Estate planning
- Tax strategy and filing
- Insurance solutions
- Business succession planning
This one-stop-shop model appeals to clients who want everything under one roof. But scale doesn’t always mean fit—so let’s look closer. Visit them here.
How Does Mariner Charge for Services?
Understanding how a financial advisor is paid isn’t just a technical detail—it’s fundamental to knowing whether their advice is truly in your best interest. Mariner Wealth Advisors is typically classified as a fee-based firm. That means they charge fees for portfolio management and financial planning, but some advisors may also receive commissions for selling certain financial products. This hybrid model can create potential conflicts of interest, especially if the advisor benefits financially from recommending one solution over another.
That doesn’t mean the advice is inherently biased—but it does mean you need to ask the right questions upfront.
Common Fee Structures:
1. Percentage of Assets Under Management (AUM):
This is Mariner’s most common fee model. Clients are charged a percentage of the assets the firm manages for them. Rates generally range between 0.50% and 1.25% annually, depending on portfolio size, service complexity, and negotiability. For example, a $1 million portfolio with a 1% fee would cost $10,000 per year.
2. Flat Fees or Hourly Rates:
In some cases—particularly when financial planning is offered without asset management—Mariner may offer a flat annual fee or hourly billing. This structure is often used for clients who want help with specific goals like retirement planning, debt management, or estate preparation but aren’t ready to hand over their portfolio.
3. Minimum Investment Requirements:
Minimums can vary by advisor or location, but many Mariner offices require between $250,000 to $1 million in investable assets to begin a full-service relationship. Clients below this threshold may be referred to more junior advisors or receive scaled-back services.
Key Questions to Ask:
- How are you compensated?
- Do you earn commissions from the products you recommend?
- Is your fee structure negotiable?
- What services are included in the advisory fee—and what’s extra?
Getting clarity here is crucial. A transparent advisor won’t dodge these questions—they’ll welcome them.
Is Mariner Right for You?
Mariner Wealth Advisors is designed to serve clients with sophisticated financial needs. Their value really shines when they’re managing complex portfolios and integrating multiple services—like investments, taxes, estate planning, and risk management—into a single, coordinated strategy.
Mariner is typically a good fit for:
- High-net-worth individuals and families looking for proactive, ongoing financial oversight.
- Business owners who need guidance on succession planning, retirement plans for employees, and tax optimization strategies.
- Executives and professionals with stock options, restricted shares, deferred comp plans, or multi-state tax issues.
- Multigenerational families planning for wealth transfer, charitable giving, or trust structures.
- Clients with real estate holdings, private investments, or multiple income streams, which require advanced tax planning and cash flow management.
These clients often benefit from a team-based advisory model and have the financial complexity to justify Mariner’s fees.
Who might want to look elsewhere?
If you’re just starting to build wealth or need help budgeting, paying off debt, or setting up your first IRA, Mariner may not be the right fit. Their minimums and pricing model generally favor more established investors. The firm’s depth of services—while impressive—can be more than what a new investor needs or can afford.
That doesn’t mean their advice is out of reach, but newer investors may get more value from flat-fee advisors, digital platforms, or fee-only planners who specialize in early-stage financial growth.
Bottom line: Mariner is a premium firm for clients with premium needs. Make sure your financial life matches the level of complexity they’re built to manage.
Who Will You Work With?
One strength of Mariner is the depth of their advisor bench. Many hold advanced certifications like CFP® (Certified Financial Planner), CFA® (Chartered Financial Analyst), or CPA credentials. You may be assigned a lead advisor and supported by specialists in taxes, estate planning, and investments.
However, because the firm is so large, experiences can vary by office and advisor. Some clients rave about personalized service; others complain about turnover and feeling like a small fish in a big pond.
What’s the Client Experience Like?
Mariner Wealth Advisors positions itself as a full-service, relationship-driven firm, emphasizing ongoing, holistic financial planning. Clients can expect scheduled reviews—often quarterly or semi-annually—where your financial plan and investment strategy are updated to reflect life changes, market shifts, or tax law updates.
You’ll also get access to a secure online portal where you can monitor account balances, review performance reports, and upload documents. While the tech platform is generally robust, ease of use can vary depending on the client’s tech comfort level.
Key Considerations:
- Proactive communication: Do advisors initiate meetings or only respond when you reach out?
- Consistency: Do you work with the same advisor long-term, or are you passed around?
- Responsiveness: How quickly do they return emails or phone calls?
- Transparency: Are recommendations clearly explained with data and context?
Reviews of the client experience vary—some rave about white-glove service, while others report feeling overlooked after the onboarding phase.
Pros of Working with Mariner
- Comprehensive services: Planning, investing, taxes, estate—all in one place.
- Experienced advisors: Many are highly credentialed.
- National reach: Local offices with access to centralized resources.
Drawbacks and Concerns
- Fee transparency: Some clients say fee structures weren’t clearly explained up front.
- Conflicts of interest: Fee-based models may include product sales or commission incentives.
- Inconsistent experience: Service can vary widely by advisor and location.
Always ask: Are you acting as a fiduciary 100% of the time? If the answer isn’t a firm yes, that’s a red flag.
What Others Are Saying
Mariner has received industry recognition (e.g., Barron’s Top RIA rankings), but third-party reviews are mixed.
- Positive: Many clients cite professionalism, knowledge, and comprehensive service.
- Negative: Others report a lack of personal attention or poor communication after onboarding.
Check:
- Google Reviews
- Better Business Bureau profile
- FINRA’s BrokerCheck for disciplinary actions or complaints
Smart Questions to Ask Before Signing
Don’t go in blind. Ask your prospective advisor:
- How do you get paid—and are there any hidden fees?
- Are you a fiduciary at all times?
- Who will I actually be working with?
- What services are included in the quoted fee?
- How often will we meet, and what will we cover?
Final Verdict: Is Mariner Wealth Advisors Right for You?
Mariner Wealth Advisors is a well-established, full-service firm built for clients with complex financial needs. If you value a team-based approach and want tax, investment, and estate planning bundled together, they may be a great fit.
But if you’re looking for a low-cost planner or a personal relationship with one advisor for life, you may want to compare other firms too.
Next Steps
Before hiring any financial advisor, including Mariner:
✅ Compare at least 2–3 firms
✅ Ask every advisor about fees, services, and conflicts of interest
✅ Review their regulatory filings (search their Form ADV on the SEC’s website)
✅ Trust your gut on how they treat you during the consultation
Here’s a direct, persuasive call-to-action (CTA) tailored for readers considering Mariner Wealth Advisors—especially those with significant assets or retirement concerns—to nudge them toward exploring a Gold IRA:
