Nicolet Wealth Management is a large financial advisor firm in Green Bay, Wisconsin. With over $3.8 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, as well as a place among the top 10 advisors in the Wisconsin.
Nicolet Wealth Management Background
Nicolet Wealth Management 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™ (CFP®) and chartered financial analysts (CFAs), as well as advisors with the accredited investment fiduciary (AIF) and certified plan fiduciary advisor (CPFA) designations, among others.
In addition to its headquarters in Green Bay, Nicolet has advisors in banking locations throughout Wisconsin and Michigan.
Nicolet Wealth Management 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.
Services Offered by Nicolet Wealth Management
Nicolet 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 budgeting, estate planning, retirement planning, among others.
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.
Nicolet Wealth Management Investment Philosophy
Nicolet Wealth Management’s investment philosophy blends strategic and active risk-based asset allocation to create diversified portfolios tailored to each client’s goals, risk tolerance and financial situation. The firm primarily usees passively managed index ETFs and mutual funds, adjusting allocations based on market conditions. However, Nicolet may also offer targeted and fully custom strategies. Portfolios are managed with ongoing monitoring, quarterly rebalancing and a focus on consistent, risk-adjusted performance over time.
Fees Under Nicolet Wealth Management
Nicolet Wealth Management 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 are for the firm's wrap fee program, which covers management services and most costs related to transactions. | |
| Estimated Investment Management Fees at Nicolet Wealth Management* | |
| Your Assets | Nicolet Wealth Mangagement Fee Amounts |
| $500K | $6,250 |
| $1MM | $10,000 |
| $5MM | $31,000 |
| $10MM | $56,000 |
What to Watch Out For
Nicolet Wealth Management 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 Wealth Management 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 Wealth Management 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 Wealth Management
To open an account with Nicolet Wealth Management, 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 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.
