Retirement isn’t just about setting aside money—it’s about making sure your money actually works for you. A solid plan isn’t just about how much you save, but also where you want to live, how you’ll manage expenses, and how to get the most out of your investments.

Why Retire in LA?

Los Angeles has a lot going for it when it comes to retirement. The weather? Pretty much perfect. The food? Amazing. The activities? Endless. Whether you’re into hiking in Griffith Park, catching a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, or just soaking up the ocean breeze in Santa Monica, LA offers a little bit of everything.

Plus, healthcare is top-notch here. With some of the best hospitals in the country—think UCLA Medical Center, Kaiser LAMC, and Cedars-Sinai—you’ll have access to world-class medical care when you need it.

Of course, LA isn’t exactly known for being cheap. The cost of living is high, and California’s taxes can take a bite out of your retirement savings. But with smart financial planning, you can still retire comfortably and make the most of everything the city has to offer.

Retirement Planning in LA—Why You Shouldn’t Go It Alone

A lot of retirees try to manage their finances solo. And while that might work for some, most people could use a little expert guidance—especially in a city where the cost of living is high and taxes can get tricky.

But here’s the thing: not all financial advisors are the same. If you want someone who’s truly looking out for your best interests (and not just making recommendations that pad their own pockets), you need a fee-only fiduciary.

What’s a Fee-Only Fiduciary (And Why Should You Care)?

Fee-only means an advisor is paid directly by you—no commissions, no kickbacks, and no hidden product fees. You pay a transparent fee (agreed upon at the start), which covers your financial plan and ongoing management.

Fiduciary means they’re legally obligated to put your best interests first. They can’t sell you something just because it benefits them.

In short, a fee-only fiduciary is someone who’s fully on your side. They give advice designed to help you reach your goals—not to boost their commission.

Fee-Only vs. Commission-Based Advisors—What’s the Difference?

Keep in mind that in both cases, you’ll still need to pay the underlying investment costs and any custodian fees. However, these are typically small and do not include hidden kickbacks going to a fee-only advisor.

Key Point: Because commission-based advisors can collect large fees upfront, their compensation isn’t tied directly to whether your investments do well over the long haul—or whether your overall plan (including estate or insurance) is even addressed. That means if your portfolio underperforms or they skip financial planning, they’ve already been paid, and you may have little recourse beyond firing them.

How a Fee-Only Fiduciary Helps You Win in Retirement

A fiduciary isn’t just someone who gives advice and then disappears. They help you with:

• Big-Picture Financial Planning. They look at everything: your retirement goals, estate planning, insurance needs, workplace benefits, and taxes. Think of your finances like a puzzle—they help ensure all the pieces fit together perfectly.

  
  

• Personalized Investment Management. No cookie-cutter solutions here. Fee-only advisors typically recommend more cost-effective funds that maximize your returns—not products that pay them hidden commissions.

  
  

• Regular Check-Ins. Life changes, and so should your financial plan. A fiduciary keeps your strategy on track as markets shift and your needs evolve.

  
  

• Clear, Honest Advice. No hidden fees. No confusing fine print. Just straightforward guidance to help you make the best financial decisions.

Retiree A (Commission-Based Advisor)

• Pays commissions right off the bat. Their advisor recommends a mutual fund with a 5% load, costing $25,000 before a dollar is even invested.

  
  

• Faces ongoing mutual fund fees. Some actively managed funds have annual fees exceeding 1%—and part of that can be passed back to the advisor.

  
  

• Has no guarantee of real financial or estate planning. Advisors may say they “include” planning, but if they’re not compensated beyond the commission, they’re less likely to provide extensive services.

  
  

• May see little ongoing commitment. Once you’ve paid the commission, there’s little incentive for them to care if your account underperforms, or whether your estate and insurance strategies align with your retirement goals.

  
  

Retiree B (Fee-Only Fiduciary)

• Keeps the full $500,000 invested. No upfront commission slices into your principal.

  
  

• Pays a transparent fee, agreed upon from the start. This covers both the financial plan and ongoing advice—aligning the advisor’s success with your long-term outcomes.

  
  

• Invests in low-cost, efficient funds. With no hidden arrangements, the advisor can focus on fund performance and low expense ratios.

  
  

• Receives active guidance across the board. From Roth conversions to estate plans to insurance needs, a fiduciary ensures all aspects of your financial life are optimized.

  
  

Over timæ, Retiree B keeps more money invested, avoids high commission-based products, and gains a well-rounded financial plan—leading to potentially larger retirement savings overall.

The Bottom Line: Trust Matters in Retirement Planning

Retiring in LA is absolutely doable—but only if you plan smart. And that starts with choosing the right financial advisor.

A fee-only fiduciary ensures every financial move benefits you, not their commission check. With transparent fees, a holistic approach to your finances, and tax-efficient strategies, you keep more of your money where it belongs—in your retirement fund.

If you want an advisor who’s truly on your side, consider working with a fee-only fiduciary in LA. Your retirement savings deserve the best guidance—without hidden fees, misaligned incentives, or conflicts of interest.