The Real Cost of Robo‑Advisors: How Hidden Fees Erode Your Portfolio
2024 data point: The average U.S. investor pays roughly 0.42% annual total expense ratio on a robo-advisor, translating into a $12,600 drag on a $3 million portfolio over a 20-year horizon (Fidelity Cost Survey 2024). That single figure sets the stage for why every basis point matters.