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EL Camino Real Financial Advisors

 

800-305-6115   

Dunbar's number -

We restrict our client list using Dunbar's number of 150 vs. other firms advertising 100,000 or a million clients.  With ECRFA you're never treated like a number.  
 

According to anthropologist Robin Dunbar, the maximum number of people an individual can maintain a stable, meaningful social relationship with is roughly 150, often called "Dunbar’s number". While this number is often cited as the limit for acquaintances, closer bonds are far fewer, typically shrinking to circles of 50, 15, and 5 people. 

BBC +3
 

  • Total Recognition Limit (1,500): While we only maintain 150 relationships, research suggests people can recognize and remember up to 1,500 names and faces. 

    Reddit +4

  • Meaningful Relationships (150): The suggested average for colleagues, friends, and acquaintances you know reasonably well.

  • Close Friendships (50): People you see regularly, such as friends or coworkers.

  • Good Friends (15): People you trust and share social experiences with.

  • Closest Relationships (5): Loved ones, best friends, or immediate family members.

Contextual Factors:

  • Brain Power: The limit is based on the size of the human neocortex relative to group size.

  • Variability: While 150 is the common average, studies suggest social network size can be influenced by cultural, personal, and cognitive factors.

  • Digital Age: Modern studies debate whether social media increases this limit, with some research suggesting that while you can connect with more people, the number of meaningful connections remains close to 150. 

    BBC +4

    WIkipedia - Dunbar's number
     


Industry Fee's

Q.  What does the median RIA charge per year? 
A.  From Google AI mode.

The median registered investment advisor (RIA) typically charges an annual fee of approximately 1% of assets under management (AUM) for portfolios around $1 million. This rate often varies based on the total value of the assets being managed, as most advisors utilize a tiered fee structure where the percentage decreases as the account balance grows. 

NerdWallet +3
 

Typical Fee Breakdown by Portfolio Size (2026 Estimates)

For clients using the traditional AUM model, the median blended fee typically follows these benchmarks: 

  • $100,000 – $500,000: 1.25% to 1.50% annually.

  • $500,000 – $1,000,000: Approximately 1.00% to 1.25% annually.

  • $1,000,000 – $5,000,000: 0.75% to 1.00% annually (with a median around 0.85% at the $1M+ mark).

  • $5,000,000+: 0.50% to 0.75% annually. 

    Domain Money +1
     

Alternative Annual Fee Structures

Many RIAs are shifting toward non-asset-based models to provide more flexibility: 

  • Flat Annual Retainers: Typically range from $2,500 to $9,200 per year depending on the complexity of the services (e.g., basic investment management vs. high-net-worth planning).

  • Subscription Models: The median annual fee for subscription-based planning is approximately $4,500.

  • Hourly Rates: While not strictly an annual charge, the median hourly rate for advisors is $300 per hour.

  • Standalone Projects: A one-time comprehensive financial plan typically carries a median cost of $3,000. 

    NerdWallet +3
     

Key Cost Considerations

  • Tiered Schedules: Fees are often "graduated," meaning you might pay 1.25% on your first $500,000 and 1.00% on the next $500,000.

  • Robo-Advisors: Digital-only platforms are significantly cheaper, with median fees ranging from 0.25% to 0.50% AUM.

  • Additional Expenses: Beyond the advisor's fee, investors often pay internal expense ratios (0.05%–0.75%) and custodial fees (0.10%–0.15%). 

    NerdWallet +3
     

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