When to Choose a Fee-Based Account for Your Retirement Savings

Assets are flooding into investment accounts that charge clients a single asset-based fee rather than a commission on each trade. But regulators and consumer advocates warn that these accounts aren't always the best choice for investors.

In a fee-based account, you pay a percentage of your account balance, often 1% or more, which will typically cover brokerage services and investment advice. While paying a single fee may seem attractive, the advantages of these accounts depend heavily on the level