Subscription Investing Sounds Easy—But Is It Enough?

What if investment advice worked like Netflix—a flat monthly fee for ongoing access? That’s exactly what Charles Schwab’s “Intelligent Portfolios Premium” aims for, with a subscription model designed to make wealth management feel as easy (and bingeable) as your favorite streaming service. For $30 a month (after an initial $300 planning session), clients get automated (“robo”) portfolio management—and, crucially, unlimited access to Schwab’s network of certified financial planners.

It’s a bold step in personal finance, reflecting a larger “subscription lifestyle” trend sweeping everything from streaming to consumer goods. Early results? Promising. Schwab saw over $1 billion in new assets, a 25% increase in new accounts, and more people who had never used a financial advisor before jumping in, likely drawn by clear, upfront pricing and—at least in theory—a sense of control.

But does this model fit every investor? As I shared directly with Fortune, “Even if you are a raving fan [of a brand like Netflix], you probably don’t have a real relationship with them. A subscription isn’t a relationship, which is why I am not convinced that this model will stand the test of time.” My concern as a fiduciary financial advisor is that a scalable, subscription-led approach might undermine the customized service, behavioral coaching, and trust that truly drive successful long-term wealth management. The need for scale could eat into that critical personal touch—making it tough to deliver real financial planning advice that’s tailored to your goals and life.

Others in the industry argue that subscriptions open the door for younger or mass-affluent investors who might otherwise skip planning altogether—potentially building trust for bigger relationships down the line. There’s no doubt: as financial services get more creative with pricing (and as giants like Schwab continue to test these waters), clients have more choice than ever.

The bottom line: The subscription model might suit some investors, especially those just starting out or who want simple, affordable access to basic investment guidance. But relationship-driven, fiduciary financial advice—with deep expertise in portfolio management, retirement planning, and cash-flow strategies—will always require something more than a monthly charge. Before jumping in, know what kind of relationship you really want with your investment advisor—and remember: sometimes, real guidance can’t be “binged” or boxed up for a monthly fee.

Curious about which planning model actually fits your needs—or wondering how to get the most out of your relationship with a wealth advisor? Reach out for a no-obligation conversation. True partnership and advice should never come à la carte.

🟢https://fortune.com/2019/08/28/schwab-subscription-service-investing-advice-binge/