Investments come with costs such as fees, penalties, and commissions. These charges can affect investment returns and should be taken into consideration before deciding if an investment is right for you. It is important to know these costs upfront in order to set expectations.
Fees are commonly applied to:
Different entities will charge different fees for the same investment product so be sure to shop around and ask questions before making a final decision on which investment to choose.
Another important consideration is knowing the investment professional’s incentive. Does the professional collect a salary, are they paid on commission, or both? This information gives you an idea of possible motivations of the individual with the products they recommend and any additional charges.