Am trying to decide whether to execute a financial plan, devised by a USAA CFP, involving about 12 positions in USAA and non-USAA funds. The non-USAA funds will involve ca. $500 to establish initial positions in the brokerage! Seems steep. I'd appreciate any feedback on folks who've had experience with USAA advising services and the equivalent at Vanguard and how they've fared. Thanks, John.

I am not sure how much you are investing in total. If less than a few thousand dollars just a few funds should be good. Is the $500 a load or a minimum investment? If it is a minimum investment, that is normal for most non-retirement funds initial investments.

These are my opinions. I am not an investment adviser, just an investor. What works for me at my age and financial position will not work for a young guy with little to invest.

back in 99, we invested $500 with American Express(Now Ameriprise.) It's the retainer fee/minimum investment.

At first, we let the FP do all the heavy lifting. now we sit and discuss stuff with him once a year as we learned.