So much for the Blah, Blah, Blah from advisers. Bottom line numbers is that if we are told that a "safe" withdrawal percentage is 4% on retirement and the adviser is taking 1%, then they are getting a whopping 25% of your retirement income. You have to ask yourself and them - what are they doing that earns that amount of your income? Compare to a model index portfolio that is readily found on the internet and see for yourself. Yes, if hand holding is what you want and you want your adviser to attend your daughter's wedding, then pay the fees, but don't be deluded that your returns will offset the fees.