Advisor · Free Interactive Tool
Commission vs. Fee Comparison
Which model earns more over time?
Your Numbers
The Result
The Operator's Read
Over 10 years the recurring fee out-earns the commission by about $25,000 — plus it aligns you with the client's growth. Recurring wins the long game.
Built by The Crimson Bench · Educational tool, not financial advice
About the Commission vs. Fee Comparison
Compare an upfront commission to a recurring AUM fee over ten years on the same account.
How the Commission vs. Fee Comparison Works
3 inputs in, 3 results out — computed live on your device. Here's exactly what it uses.
| Input | Example value |
|---|---|
| Account size | $300,000 |
| Annual AUM fee | 1% |
| Upfront commission | $5,000 |
Worked Example
Using the example inputs above, the tool returns:
Annual fee
$3,000
10-year fee total
$30,000
Vs. commission
$25,000
The Operator's Read
Over 10 years the recurring fee out-earns the commission by about $25,000 — plus it aligns you with the client's growth. Recurring wins the long game.
Assumptions & Limitations
- •This is a single-point calculator — it answers one question at a time. For a full time-based projection, use the matching Toolkit Pro simulator.
- •Defaults are illustrative. Replace them with your real numbers before relying on the result.
- •Educational tool only — not financial, investment, tax, or legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Commission vs. Fee Comparison calculate?
Compare an upfront commission to a recurring AUM fee over ten years on the same account. It takes 3 inputs — Account size, Annual AUM fee, Upfront commission — and returns Annual fee, 10-year fee total, Vs. commission.
How do I use the Commission vs. Fee Comparison?
Enter your figures in the fields above and the result updates instantly. No signup, no limits, and nothing leaves your browser — the math runs on your device.
Is the Commission vs. Fee Comparison free?
Yes, completely free. For the full time-based simulation — projection tables, scenarios, Excel/PDF export, and AI analysis — see the matching Toolkit Pro simulator.
Who built this tool?
The Crimson Bench's Ivy League-educated operators — the same people we deploy into C-suites. It uses the exact method they'd apply in an engagement.
Is this financial advice?
No. The Commission vs. Fee Comparison is an educational tool for directional planning — not financial, investment, tax, or legal advice.
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The Crimson Bench · Est. 2002 · Founded in New York City
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