Nicolet Advisory Services is a large financial advisor firm in Green Bay, Wisconsin. With over $2.9 billion in assets under management, the firm occupies the No. 1 spot in SmartAsset's list of the top financial advisor firms in Green Bay.
Nicolet Advisory Services Background
Nicolet Advisory Services has been operating as a registered investment advisor (RIA) since May 2016. It’s owned by Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. The firm’s wealth management team features a number of accredited professionals, including certified financial planners (CFPs) and chartered financial analysts (CFAs), as well as advisors with the accredited asset management specialists (AAMS), accredited investment fiduciary (AIF) and chartered life underwriter (CLU) designations.
Nicolet Advisory Services Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes
Nicolet advises various types of clients including:
- Individuals
- Pension and profit-sharing plans
- Banking and thrift institutions
- Trusts
- Estates
- Charitable organizations
- Corporations and other business entities
The firm generally doesn’t impose a minimum account value to initiate and retain investment management services. However, a client would need to make a minimum investment of $5,000 to open an account through the Schwab Institutional Intelligent Portfolios program.
Services Offered by Nicolet Advisory Services
Nicolet Bank Wealth Management places clients in wealth management programs that offer both financial planning advice and portfolio management services. Its advisors can offer guidance on such topics as:
- Business planning
- Estate planning
- Investment consulting
- Insurance planning
- Retirement planning
- Risk management
- Corporate retirement planning
The firm also offers investment advisory and management services. It will additionally review and advise on clients’ external accounts such as workplace retirement plans, annuity contracts and 529 college savings plans.
As mentioned earlier, Nicolet Advisory Services provides access to the Schwab Intelligent Portfolios program. This is an automated investment platform that mostly invests in exchange-traded funds (ETFs). An ETF is a basket of securities from a particular index or industry sector. This type of investment, which trades like a normal stock, can keep you diversified in the markets.
Nicolet Advisory Services Investment Philosophy
Before making any investment recommendations, the firm takes an in-depth look at a client’s financial situation and investment goals. It draws from this information to design an appropriate asset allocation that adheres to the client’s risk tolerance.
When evaluating securities for portfolios, the firm generally engages in technical and fundamental analysis. Its market research comes from major financial institutions like TD Ameritrade, Northern Trust and Morningstar Direct.
Fees Under Nicolet Advisory Services
Nicolet Advisory Services charges wealth management fees based on the client’s assets under management. Below is the firm’s current tiered fee schedule (these fees do not include transactions costs, brokerage commissions and other expenses):
| Portfolio Value | Base Fee |
| Less than $500k | 1.25% |
| Next $500k | 0.75% |
| Next $1 Million | 0.60% |
| Next $8 Million | 0.50% |
| Over $10 Million | 0.40% |
Here is the estimated dollar amount you'd pay in advisory fees based on the size of your account:
| *Estimated investment management fees do not include brokerage, custodial, third-party manager or other fees, which can vary in amount. | |
| Estimated Investment Management Fees at Nicolet Advisory Services* | |
| Your Assets | Nicolet Advisory Services Fee Amounts |
| $500K | $3,750 |
| $1MM | $6,000 |
| $5MM | $25,000 |
| $10MM | $50,000 |
What to Watch Out For
For clients in the Schwab Institutional Intelligent Portfolios program, the wealth management fee is 0.50%. Also, Nicolet Advisory Services offers its portfolio management through a wrap-fee program, where clients pay a flat fee that covers wealth management, transaction costs and brokerage commissions. This program may not be right for everyone, though. In some cases, the wrap fee may be higher than the total fees charged separately. Learn more about advisors' typical costs here.
Within the past 10 years, Nicolet Advisory Services has not undergone any disciplinary or legal action deemed material to a client’s evaluation of its business integrity. You can view its latest Form ADV on the official website of the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC).
One thing to note: In addition to investment advice, some of Nicolet’s supervised persons may also be brokers or insurance agents. These other roles may create potential conflicts of interest since representatives earn commissions from vendors on top of client fees. That said, Nicolet Advisory Services and its supervised persons are legally bound as fiduciaries to provide investment advice solely in the best interest of clients.
Opening an Account with Nicolet Advisory Services
To open an account with Nicolet Advisory Services, you can visit their website to schedule a phone appointment.
Tips for Finding the Right Financial Advisor
- Consider interviewing at least three advisors before choosing one. This ensures you have enough context about fees and investment strategies to make an informed decision. Finding an advisor doesn't have to be hard.SmartAsset's free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals get started now.
- Ask candidates what their median account size is. You don't want to be their smallest client -- or you probably won't get the attention you need. Alternately, you don't want to be the largest either. In that case, the advisor may not have the experience, know-how or resources to help your account grow.
All information was accurate as of the writing of this article.
