Argent Wealth Management
Argent Wealth Management has operated as an independent investment advisor since its establishment. The firm also says on its website that it distinguishes itself through experience and expertise, its value proposition, comprehensive wealth management and its large endowment approach.
Argent Wealth Management is an SEC-registered financial advisor and fee-only financial planner. It currently provides clients with a range of services, including financial planning, investment management, estate planning and tax planning. It has 16 financial advisors who have more than $1.7 billion in assets under management (AUM).
The firm also appears on our Waltham top financial advisors list.
Argent Wealth Management Background
David Duchesneau founded Argent Wealth Management in 1992 as the The Duchesneau Group. In 2013, Argent Wealth Management merged with Pillar Financial Services to provide a greater scope of offerings to a broader range of clients.
Argent Wealth Management's financial advisors include certified financial planners (CFPs), certified public accountants (CPAs) and chartered financial analysts (CFA).
Argent Wealth Management Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes
Argent Wealth Management works mostly with individuals, including high-net-worth people. This profile makes up the bulk of the firm’s clientele. However, Argent Wealth Management also advises a number of profit-sharing plans.
Argent generally requires a minimum account value of $1 million to recieve investment advisory services.
Services Offered by Argent Wealth Management
Argent Wealth Management offers a variety of financial planning services, including investment advice. Depending on your financial situation and objectives, the firm may recommend investing in a variety assets in a variety of securities. A typical portfolio may invest in the following:
- Stocks
- Bonds
- Mutual funds
- Exchange-traded funds (ETF)
Argent Wealth Management Investment Philosophy
Argent Wealth Management deploys fundamental analysis, analytical techniques and more when considering investments. It draws information from financial publications, case studies and corporate reports.
Fees Under Argent Wealth Management
Depending on what kinds of services you receive from Argent Wealth Management, you may face fees based on a percentage of assets under management or a fixed fee.
The standard annual investment advisory fee ranges from 0.50% to 1.00% of assets under management (AUM). We outline this fee below. In addition, the firm may charge you a fixed or hourly fee for financial planning and tax preparation services. This fee would depend on the scope of the services provided.
| Market Value of Account | Annual Fee |
| On the first $1 million | 1.00% |
| On the next $2 million | 0.80% |
| On the next $2 million | 0.70% |
| On the next $5 million | 0.60% |
| On the balance | 0.50% |
Check out the table below to see how these asset-based fees compare to national median advisory fees.
| *Fee estimates only consider the maximum base fees for the services each firm provides. You may also pay manager fees and other fees, which can vary in amount. **All figures are based on median fee levels according to Bob Veres' 2017 Planning Profession Fee Survey. The above estimates solely take into account AUM-only fees. Total costs will likely be higher due to additional expenses. | ||
| Estimated Fee Comparison* | ||
| Your Assets | Argent Wealth Management standard annual investment advisory fee | National Median Advisory Fees** |
| $500K | n/a (below required minimum) | $5,000 |
| $1MM | $10,000 | $8,500 - $10,000 |
| $5MM | $40,000 | $25,000 - $32,500 |
| $10MM | $70,000 | $50,000 |
According to a more recent 2018 study of 1,500 firms by RIA in a Box, the average financial advisor's investment advisory fee is 0.95% of AUM.
What to Watch Out For
Argent Wealth Management has not undergone any disciplinary action while in business, according to the firm’s latest Form ADV. This is paperwork that firms file with the SEC to keep their status.
Argent Wealth Management works with Charles Schwab and Fidelity Investments. This arrangement may present a conflict of interest if the firm's advisors recommend investing in securities these firms manage.
Opening an Account With Argent Wealth Management
You can set up an appointment with an advisor by visiting the firm's Waltham office, or you can contact a representative at (781) 290-4900.
Tips for Financial Planning
- Financial planning can be difficult and overwhelming. You want to make sure you have the best plan in place with as little hassle as possible, which is something a financial advisor can help with. Finding the right financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with financial advisors in your area in 5 minutes. If you’re ready to be matched with local advisors, get started now.
- Investing with a goal in mind is often confusing. It can be tough to know how much to invest in order to meet your goals. Use SmartAsset’s investment calculator to help you reach your goals. Know how much you’re starting with, how fast you want to grow, and how long you want to invest, and the calculator will have you well on your way to reaching your financial goals.
All information is accurate as of the writing of this article.
