Most financial advisors describe their process as full-service.
In fact, 85% say they offer wealth management — but only 6% deliver a comprehensive planning process. (Sources: CEG Insights, August 2023; Kitces Research, January 2024)
Comprehensive planning means your investments, taxes, retirement income, and estate decisions work together—in one clear strategy.
In practice, many clients receive a narrower scope than they expect — often limited to portfolio conversations, product recommendations, and one-off projections.
When these areas aren’t coordinated, it can lead to avoidable taxes, misaligned risk, and missed opportunities.
If tax, estate, retirement, and multigenerational planning aren’t integrated, “wealth management” may be more of a label than a coordinated process.
If you’re unsure what’s included in your current relationship, a second opinion can help you clarify it quickly.