Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium is suitable for investors seeking a blend of automated and human financial advice with a set fee structure and lower minimum balance for individual accounts after the initial enrollment. NAPFA is better for those who prefer comprehensive, personalized financial planning from a fee-only advisor, although costs and minimums can vary significantly.
| Attribute | Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium | NAPFA (National Association of Personal Financial Advisors) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment Amount | $25,000 to enroll. $5,000 minimum per individual account. | NAPFA itself doesn't enforce a minimum asset requirement. However, individual NAPFA-registered advisors or firms might have their own minimums. |
| Advisory Fee Structure | One-time planning fee of $300 and a $30/month advisory fee (charged quarterly). Clients also pay ETF operating expenses. | NAPFA members are strictly fee-only, meaning they cannot receive commissions or third-party compensation. They are compensated directly by clients through hourly rates, flat fees, retainers, or a percentage of assets under management (AUM). |
| Investment Portfolio Composition | Low-cost ETFs spanning stocks, fixed income, and commodities. A portion is allocated to FDIC-insured Deposit Accounts at Charles Schwab Bank, SSB. Approximately 50 ETFs across roughly 20 asset classes are used. | NAPFA doesn't dictate specific investment portfolio compositions. NAPFA advisors focus on holistic financial planning, considering all factors of an investor's financial situation rather than pushing specific investments. The types of assets included in investment portfolios and the asset allocation will vary based on the client's individual circumstances, goals, and risk tolerance. |
| Financial Planning Services Offered | Comprehensive financial planning with guidance from a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional, digital financial plan, and access to online planning tools. Includes help with setting financial goals like retirement and college savings. | NAPFA-registered advisors offer holistic financial planning services, including investments, taxes, retirement, insurance, and estate planning. They focus on a client's entire financial picture. Beyond investment management, NAPFA advisors offer comprehensive financial planning services, including retirement planning, tax planning, insurance, estate planning, cash flow and debt management, and education funding. |
| Access to Financial Advisors | Unlimited access to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professionals via phone or video conference. Appointments can be scheduled online. | NAPFA provides an online search tool to find advisors based on location and financial needs, such as divorce planning or estate planning. |
| Tax Optimization Strategies | Tax-loss harvesting is available for accounts with a minimum balance of $50,000. Clients must opt-in. | NAPFA advisors consider tax planning as part of their comprehensive financial planning services. They help clients minimize tax liabilities through proactive structuring of finances. These can include long-range forecasting for tax efficiency and planning for future tax liabilities. |
| Account Management Style (Active vs. Passive) | Hybrid approach combining automated digital financial advice (robo-advisor) with access to human financial planners. | NAPFA doesn't specify a single account management style. Advisors may use active or passive strategies depending on the client's goals and risk tolerance. The account management style (active vs. passive) depends on the advisor's approach and the client's needs. |
| Personalization Options | Portfolios are customized based on goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Up to three ETFs can be removed and replaced with alternatives. | NAPFA advisors can personalize investment portfolios to align with specific financial goals and risk tolerance. They align investments with a client's values. Investment portfolios can be highly personalized to align with specific financial goals, values, and risk tolerance. |
| Customer Support Channels | 24/7 phone, email, and live chat support. | NAPFA's main phone number is 847-483-5400, and the toll-free number is 888-FEE-ONLY (888-333-6659). For general inquiries, the email is info@napfa.org. |
| Educational Resources Available | Digital planning tools and educational resources are available. | NAPFA offers educational resources for both advisors and consumers, including webinars, conferences, a learning center, and publications. They also provide continuing education for advisors to stay current with industry trends. NAPFA provides educational materials, financial planning tips, and a quarterly newsletter for consumers. They also have a learning center with webinars, on-demand courses, and podcast episodes. |
| Mobile App Accessibility | Not available | There is no mention of a NAPFA mobile app in the provided context. |
| Reputation and Accreditation | Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. is a brokerage firm and a member of SIPC. | NAPFA is a leading professional association of fee-only financial advisors. It is well-recognized in the financial field and media for its high ethical and professional standards. NAPFA distinguishes its members by requiring adherence to rigorous competency and ongoing continuing education standards. NAPFA is a well-respected organization with a strong reputation for promoting fee-only financial advice and fiduciary standards. NAPFA itself is an association, not a firm, but its members are held to high standards. |