Well advised instead of deceived. Financial consulting has become a matter of trust. Many investors wonder what options they have when competent advice is no longer available even at their own bank. A solution is provided by fee-based consulting - independent advice based on fees. However, many consumers still fall under the misconception that financial consulting must be free, as otherwise the returns on investments would be eaten away. The opposite is true. Hidden fees and costs in financial products can be very expensive for consumers. Individual, consumer-oriented advice is not possible as long as products need to be sold to finance the dialogue with the end consumer. "Fee instead of commission" explains what fee-based consulting is, how it works, what it costs, and how to obtain competent, trustworthy advice.