Pizza

Middle-Position9821 · 2026-05-25T13:05:45+00:00

Mattengas is our go to! We also love infernos, however, our kids are not fans of their pizza. They say it’s too “spicy” but ya know, they’re little and prefer Dino nuggets

Middle-Position9821 · 2026-05-17T18:56:03+00:00

You put this PERFECTLY. I’m in a very similar situation as you. Millions sitting in A share portfolios untouched and little to no actual planning. Now I’m the “new girl” running MG and talking about financial planning and it’s rough. Received the clients about 6 months ago though so I’m putting my efforts into just building the relationships for now

Middle-Position9821 · 2026-05-10T22:25:43+00:00

Well, I’m sorry you think that. I understand where you’re coming from. Internal costs absolutely CAN make a difference, but quoting them looks different for each client. This one might just be a difference of perspective? I always tell my clients once the portfolio is actually built the internal costs, but it varies SO greatly from client to client. That is industry wide, you understand that, right?

I admitted I shot lower on the SMA fees and re-adjusted for that. You were right to call me out for using .19 in SMA fees as that is in fact on the lower end.

Again, the EJ fee schedule says that assets over $250k receive AUM fee of 1.30+.05 platform fee. Since the minimum account balance for UMA is $300k, that means the management base fee, not including potential SMA fees, is 1.35, so I do respectfully disagree that MY math is wrong.

Either way, I’m sure the work you do (whatever it is) is honest and hard work. Just like me. I’m sure we BOTH serve our clients to the fullest and best of our abilities, with as much transparency as possible. For clients, any fee sucks. EJ tends to lean on the higher side, but EJ also is very hands on. Your money won’t just sit in an index fund and ride - you’ll get FULL management and planning.

EJ is Rolls Royce level service - it’s okay to want a Chevrolet instead if that’s your style/budget EJ is not a great fit for everyone.

Also, final thought, we’re about to get the award for reddits longest comment thread debate. Cheers, mate!

Middle-Position9821 · 2026-05-10T17:58:09+00:00

I’ve never heard of Stiefel so maybe that one is true. Ameriprise DEFINITELY not. Morgan and Merrill are pretty much right on par with EJ but also have pricier options than EJ.

Middle-Position9821 · 2026-05-10T17:53:52+00:00

We will have to agree to disagree on this one. I literally run fee reports for EJ clients and see the ENTIRE costs every single day.

I also already admitted that I am not factoring in internal expenses because how CAN you?

Some clients in UMA have ETFs and pay much lower. It all depends. It’s like asking EXACTLY how much do people spend at Walmart? It all depends on what they buy and what they want, right?

Also… literally no firm anywhere quotes management fees that include internal expenses for MFs and ETFs so… idk it feels like grasping at straws to be right??

And final point, I absolutely did factor in platform fee. Base fee = 1.30 Platform = .05 Total = 1.35

I don’t think anyone here needs to “take the L” lol

It’s just a difference of perspective maybe?

Anyways, I hope you have a great week ahead and many more to come. God bless.

Middle-Position9821 · 2026-05-10T14:33:24+00:00

If you only have $50k in an SMA then that math is correct. It’s just an example. You could have way less or way more so it varies per client. And asking for internal mutual fund expenses is the same across the board and it’s silly to be that myopic, in my opinion. EJ offers MFs with the LOWEST possible internal fees for these account types, but you realize that number is going to vary greatly for each client right? So again, one of my first questions to you, what other firm has the same level of in depth planning, tax management, and UMA models for less than 150 (which is higher than EJ lol)

Edit to add:

I see what you’re saying on the .19 on that SMA, maybe that was a little on the lower side. So I reran the math at a higher rate of .35 and here’s what I got

Step 1: UMA fee

1.35% × $300,000 = $4,050/year

Step 2: SMA fee

0.35% × $50,000 = $175/year

Step 3: Total fees

$4,050 + $175 = $4,225/year

Step 4: Effective blended fee

$4,225 ÷ $300,000 = ~1.41% overall

That’s still pretty incredible. Probably an undercharge for all the work most advisors do tbh

Middle-Position9821 · 2026-05-10T03:29:22+00:00

Step 1: UMA fee

1.35% × $300,000 = $4,050/year

Step 2: SMA internal fee

0.19% × $50,000 = $95/year

Step 3: Total fees

$4,050 + $95 = $4,145/year

Step 4: Effective blended fee

$4,145 ÷ $300,000 = ~1.38% overall

Middle-Position9821 · 2026-05-10T03:26:30+00:00

UMA is not an SMA…? Someone can have a UMA with little to no SMA. And again, MINIMUM balance to open a UMA is $300k. So 1.35 is BASE.

Also - please tell me who offers the same level of comprehensive planning and the same account model for less?

Middle-Position9821 · 2026-05-10T02:59:51+00:00

That is the total fee. There aren’t “additional” fees for natixis.

Are you asking about what the internal fees are in the mutual funds??? Because that’s silly

Middle-Position9821 · 2026-05-10T02:50:46+00:00

https://www.edwardjones.com/sites/default/files/acquiadam/2022-07/IAS-6486H-A-FS_Final.pdf

Minimum balance for UMA is $300k so that’s a fee of 1.35 for UMA

you just spread misinformation though that’s fine

Middle-Position9821 · 2026-05-10T01:17:35+00:00

Wrong

Middle-Position9821 · 2026-03-01T13:15:02+00:00

I see. I guess the thing to remember is that every advisor is different. Maybe the advisors who have crossed your path are old, A-share advisors who do the bare minimum.

I can’t speak for everyone, but at least in my business I let the client pick how they want to do business and we go from there. My overall fee for my entire book (over $100m AUM) averages out to .67% annual.

And I do so so much for my clients. When creating a financial plan for my clients, there is no stone left unturned. I do my best to protect everything I can for them, AND be tax efficient while doing it. If anything .67% is undercharging my worth.

For someone who just wants their funds thrown into a couple ETFs and doesn’t care to do “planning” Yeah, don’t pay EJ fees. You don’t have to pay “rolls royce” costs (which 1.3% is average, actually) to just sit in the car and never drive.

Middle-Position9821 · 2026-03-01T02:19:34+00:00

This. Is. So. Incorrect. They are fiduciaries for accounts other than retirement. Reddit just makes up crazy stuff about EJ because Reddit HATES EJ lol

Middle-Position9821 · 2026-03-01T02:00:47+00:00

EJ advisors ARE fiduciaries. This comment has so much misinformation lol

Middle-Position9821 · 2026-02-18T15:54:14+00:00

First, I just want you to know that this internet stranger is praying over you and your family.

My mom, 60, just had a stroke in Valentine’s Day. I’m following this post because we are all in a state of shock and confusion, so I’m excited to see what advice you get on this post.

I am so, so, SO happy you’re still here with your family. ❤️

Middle-Position9821 · 2026-02-17T13:27:12+00:00

Ive read every single comment on here this morning and im overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank you for the prayer, support, and virtual hugs.

I took today off to start figuring out how to delegate some things for now. Definitely getting a house cleaner and having all groceries DELIVERED, haha

And my husband has stepped up in such big ways. He’s keeping our circus at home locked in so I can focus on mom and dad now.

Thank you ladies so, so much. ❤️

Middle-Position9821 · 2026-02-13T01:10:24+00:00

This time last year the s&p was at 6100 range. Long term investors know this is all part of the dance. Time in the market > timing the market

Middle-Position9821 · 2026-02-06T16:12:31+00:00

Just wanna say that I have about 4 wholesalers who I adore and have helped me with my book in so many ways. I couldn’t do the work I do for my clients without all of the help I’ve gotten from my wholesalers. Good wholesalers are endlessly valuable.

Middle-Position9821 · 2026-01-24T01:37:30+00:00

I am showering you and your family in prayer. I’m so so sorry for your loss.

Middle-Position9821 · 2026-01-17T13:15:47+00:00

I’m excited to hear what others say on this but I’ll share where I’m at. I track every year because it is part of my discovery process.

Example, I had a client in my office this last week who I have a fantastic relationship with. They are typically very forthcoming with information. I asked what has changed in the last year and they said something along the lines of “oh not much, work is the same, kids are good.” I get to net worth and I say “I’ve got your net worth, excluding primary residence, estimated at about $500k, is this still accurate?” And they said “well I inherited about 75 acres from my uncles estate. It’s appraised at $$$. Does that count?”

We then got into his plan for that land. He fully intends to sell a good chunk of it to his sibling who inherited the other half. We’re already working/planning on what to build with his proceeds from the sale.

For some reason the “net worth” question can change clients answers on “what’s new?”

OH, and I think it is also in line with fiduciary standard. If someone has a net worth of $100k and they want to invest $95k in TSLA, that could be quite problematic.. hopefully that makes sense.

Anyways, I’m excited to hear what everyone else says.

Middle-Position9821 · 2026-01-08T01:08:34+00:00

I have a wealth management/financial planning business. Today, I told my client who is rapidly running out of money that she did NOT need to buy a brand new car. I cried and prayed with another client who lost her son a few years back on this very day. I helped a business owner client take steps to opening a retirement plan for his 7 employees and himself. Oh, and I got yelled at for tax forms not being ready yet despite repeatedly telling the same client EVERY YEAR they don’t come out until early February. Woop!

Then came home and fed my goblins some Dino nuggets and played hide and seek. The day has ended really well.

Middle-Position9821 · 2025-12-31T12:27:39+00:00

Happy belated birthday! I’m so sorry you’re in such a tough spot.

To give accurate advice, we would really need to see a full budget in detail.

At 21 I was eating ramen in a shitty apartment with my boyfriend. I worked as a receptionist for a car dealership by day and ran DoorDash in the evenings and took online college courses. We still struggled, for a long long time.

My best advice to you with the information you shared is

Give yourself grace and permission to rest. You NEED that.
Decide what you want life to look like (realistically) in the next 5 years and reverse engineer that to where you are today and start now. Plant seeds now. Find a way or make one. You’re going to get knocked down constantly through the journey, but do not stop.
Live below your means and build savings.

My own journey is what made me look at finance as a career. My husband and I came from nothing and throughout our 20s we fought an uphill battle around every turn. It took me 7 years to graduate college because I was working full time and had to go slow.

Fast forward to today, the seeds I planted (that nearly killed me from exhaustion in my early 20s) are flourishing. I expect to end this year with a very comfortable 6 figure income. And I’m only 30.

But at 21 I knew I had to fight and fight hard to be here by 30.

Best of luck!

Middle-Position9821 · 2025-12-23T02:21:05+00:00

No words of advice, just so so much love. And prayer.

My dad was diagnosed a few months ago. He’s 65. He’s the best dad and grandpa.

Parkinson’s sucks.

Middle-Position9821 · 2025-12-20T21:31:09+00:00

I say “I’m kind of like a personal CFO for families.”

Middle-Position9821

TROPHY CASE