Choosing a wealth management service means balancing accessibility, planning quality and cost. Here’s how Range and Vanguard Personal Advisor Select (PAS) compare — especially for investors seeking expert guidance, digital convenience and long-term financial growth.
Range vs. Vanguard Personal Advisor Select: Quick snapshot
Which one is better for you?
Choose Range if:
- You want flat-fee pricing with no asset minimums
- You need advice across taxes, stock options or estate planning
- You prefer a tech-first, team-supported planning experience
Choose Vanguard PAS if:
- You have at least $500,000 in investable assets and want a low-cost, index-focused investment plan
- You prefer a hands-off, set-it-and-forget-it investment approach
- You value a long-term relationship with a dedicated CFP
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Side-by-side comparison
Services compared
Minimums and accessibility
Range is accessible to a wide audience with no asset minimums, though it’s designed for high-income households — those making over $300,000 annually. If you have complex finances, Range’s pricing is based on the services you need, not the size of your portfolio.
Vanguard PAS, on the other hand, is only available to investors with at least $500,000 in assets managed by Vanguard. It’s positioned for established investors with sizeable portfolios.
Fee structure: Flat-fee vs. AUM
Range charges a flat annual fee:
- Premium: $2,655/yearly with annual plan
- Platinum: $5,355/yearly with annual plan
- Titanium: $8,955/yearly with annual plan
These fees stay fixed regardless of your portfolio size.
Vanguard PAS charges 0.30% AUM annually. That means:
- A $500,000 portfolio pays about $1,500/year
- A $1 million portfolio pays about $3,000/year
For smaller portfolios, Vanguard may cost less. But for larger, more complex needs, Range offers predictability and potentially better value.
Advisor model and relationship
Range offers a team-based model. You get access to:
- Certified Financial Planners (CFPs)
- Tax professionals
- Equity compensation specialists
- Estate planning experts
This means every area of your financial life gets input from a domain expert.
Vanguard PAS assigns you a dedicated CFP, who serves as your point person. The relationship is more traditional and personal, with one-on-one continuity over time.
Scope of planning services
Range is built for holistic planning across multiple life domains:
- Investments
- Taxes
- Equity compensation
- Estate planning
- Cash flow analysis
- Real estate decisions
- Retirement
Vanguard PAS focused primarily on:
- Retirement readiness
- Asset allocation
- Investment and tax-efficient withdrawal strategies
If you’re planning needs go beyond investments — especially if you’re dealing with stock options or real estate decisions — Range may offer more relevant support.
Investment philosophy and implementation
Range offers portfolio analysis and optional portfolio management with custom or passive strategies, but it’s not required. Its emphasis is on advice first, assets second.
Vanguard PAS includes portfolio management as part of the service. Your investments are allocated based on your risk profile, typically using Vanguard’s low-cost index funds.
Technology and user experience
Range has a modern, tech-driven experience with 24/7 account visibility, personalized dashboards and communication tools.
Vanguard is more conservative in its tech interface, leaning on secure portals and traditional communication styles. It’s functional but less user-friendly than Range for daily engagement.
About Range
Range is a modern wealth management platform that gives clients access to a team of specialists — including CFPs, tax professionals, estate planners and equity comp experts. Its flat-fee pricing and no-minimum model make it accessible to professionals across all wealth levels.
About Vanguard PAS
Vanguard’s Personal Advisor Select is a tier of its advisory service designed for clients with $500,000 or more in assets. It offers a dedicated CFP and low-cost, index-based investment management. Planning is focused on retirement and long-term investment strategy.
Final thoughts
Both Range and Vanguard PAS offer excellent value, but they service different client profiles. Range is more flexible and broad in its wealth management services, while Vanguard PAS offers strong investment management at a low cost.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on the complexity of your financial life, how much personal attention you want and whether flat-fee pricing or AUM-based pricing works best for you.
