Looking for investment advice? You have two main options: MetLife, a human-driven financial advisory service, or Mezzi, an AI-powered platform. Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Key Differences:
- MetLife: Offers personalized guidance, ideal for complex financial needs. Fees range from 0.25%–1% of assets under management (AUM).
- Mezzi: Provides automated, real-time insights for $199/year. Great for straightforward, cost-effective investment management.
Quick Comparison:
| Aspect | MetLife (Human Advisor) | Mezzi (AI Platform) |
|---|---|---|
| Service Delivery | In-person/phone meetings | 24/7 digital access |
| Decision Making | Human expertise | Data-driven AI analysis |
| Cost | 0.25%–1% AUM or hourly fees | $199/year (Premium) |
| Tax Optimization | Manual reviews | Automated tools |
| Best For | Complex financial planning | Simple, low-cost investing |
MetLife is best for high-net-worth individuals or those with intricate financial needs, while Mezzi caters to tech-savvy, cost-conscious investors.
Keep reading to dive deeper into their processes, pricing, and who each service is designed for.
Investment Management Methods
MetLife's Investment Process
MetLife bases its investment approach on years of experience combined with modern portfolio techniques. The process starts with risk evaluations and goal setting, followed by portfolio construction using Mean-Variance Optimization (MVO). Continuous rebalancing ensures risks are managed effectively. This method aims to provide balanced returns through customized strategies across areas like public and private fixed income, real estate, and equity investments. MetLife advisors collaborate closely with clients to align investments with market trends and personal financial objectives. This hands-on, advisor-led approach stands in contrast to fully automated methods.
"We don't innovate if it doesn't have an outcome for a customer."
Mezzi's AI Investment Tools
Mezzi takes a different route, using advanced AI tools to manage portfolios in real time. Here’s what sets its platform apart:
- Identifies tax-saving opportunities, with users potentially saving an average of $10,221.
- Suggests lower-cost fund options that could lead to an additional $186,877 in retirement savings by reducing fees by 1%.
- Applies a Hierarchical Risk Parity (HRP) strategy to improve diversification.
- Continuously analyzes portfolios and provides instant rebalancing recommendations.
Mezzi integrates with investment accounts using secure aggregators like Plaid and Finicity (Mastercard). These connections allow detailed portfolio reviews while maintaining read-only access for added security.
Risk and Returns: Side-by-Side Analysis
When comparing these strategies, their differences in risk and returns become clear. A 2025 study highlighted that an MVO strategy, heavily concentrated with 86% in two assets, experienced a 2.38% loss in one quarter. Meanwhile, an AI-driven HRP portfolio, benefiting from broader diversification, achieved a 4.91% gain during the same period. These results indicate that while AI tools can enhance diversification and improve returns, the expertise and judgment of MetLife's advisors remain valuable, especially in navigating complex market scenarios.
Service Customization
MetLife's Client Planning
MetLife advisors use a mix of in-person meetings, phone calls, and digital consultations to create tailored strategies for both short-term and long-term financial goals. Their 2024 Connected Benefits initiative takes this a step further by incorporating data, like medical claims, to fine-tune recommendations. This approach blends traditional financial advising with modern tools to meet evolving client expectations. Now, let’s explore how Mezzi’s AI-driven approach measures up to this human-focused model.
"Employees are struggling when it comes to their finances - MetLife's 16th Annual U.S. Employee Benefit Trends Study (EBTS), released last month, found about half of employees, 46%, feel overwhelmed by financial decisions."
– Meredith Ryan-Reid, senior vice president, Group Benefits, MetLife
Mezzi's AI Personalization
Mezzi uses advanced algorithms to analyze real-time financial data, offering tailored recommendations. Its standout features include:
| Feature | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Account Integration | Combines all financial accounts for a complete overview and analysis |
| Tax Optimization | Identifies personalized tax-saving strategies, with average annual savings of $1,000 |
| Investment Strategy | Updates recommendations based on live market trends and individual goals |
| Family Collaboration | Allows shared financial planning and customized options for family members |
These features are built to simplify wealth management for modern investors.
Personal Service vs AI Tools
When comparing these approaches, each offers its own advantages. MetLife reports that 73% of employees value benefits integration, and those who effectively use personalized benefits are 1.3x more likely to feel engaged at work. Human-led strategies, like MetLife’s, shine in complex scenarios, as shown in client feedback:
"What a pleasure to speak with a financial professional regarding transitioning my life insurance. You are the Gold Standard of customer service and support: Friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and made me feel well taken care of. Having the various options made it easy and a great relief!"
On the other hand, Mezzi delivers quick, data-driven insights. MetLife’s personalized guidance, enhanced by their Connected Benefits initiative, continues to address financial education gaps and improve the customer experience:
"Our expanded MetLife Connected Benefits capability addresses the awareness and education gaps that today's employees face while enhancing the customer experience."
Pricing and Services
MetLife's Costs
MetLife provides various fee options to suit different client needs:
| Fee Type | Cost Range | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Assets Under Management (AUM) | 1% annually | Large investment portfolios |
| Annual Retainer | $2,000 – $7,500 | Comprehensive financial planning |
| Hourly Rate | $200 – $400 | One-time consultations |
| Per-Plan Fee | $1,000 – $3,000 | Specific financial plans |
For specialized products like the MetLife Financial Freedom Select (MFFS), there’s a $30 annual contract fee (waived for balances over $25,000) and account charges ranging from 1.15% to 1.45%.
Next, let's look at Mezzi's subscription-based pricing, which takes a different approach from these traditional models.
Mezzi's Subscription Plans
Mezzi offers two simple pricing tiers designed for modern investors:
| Feature | Free Plan | Premium Membership |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0 | $199/year |
| Account Integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Basic Insights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Family Collaboration | ✓ | ✓ |
| AI-Powered Chat | – | Unlimited |
| Tax Optimization | – | ✓ |
| Risk Analysis | – | Advanced |
| Average Annual Savings | – | $1,000+ |
Here’s how the costs compare over time for different investment amounts:
Cost Comparison Chart
| Investment Amount | MetLife (1% AUM) | Mezzi Premium |
|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $1,000/year | $199/year |
| $250,000 | $2,500/year | $199/year |
| $500,000 | $5,000/year | $199/year |
"While no type of fee model is perfect, the flat fee model is one of the most transparent and fair advisor-client compensation methods. It helps to remove the conflict of interest of 'looking to gather your assets,' as well as a variety of conflicts around paying down debt vs. investing. With a flat fee model, you always know what you're paying and what you're paying for. It also allows you to work with an advisor regardless of your assets."
– TJ van Gerven, CFP®, Modern Wealth Builders
Traditional advisors often charge between 3% and 6% on investment transactions. Mezzi's subscription model eliminates these costs entirely. Research shows that human advisors typically charge a median AUM fee of about 1% annually. In 2024, the average fixed-percentage fee for traditional services was 1.05%, while subscription-based services averaged $215 per year. Mezzi's $199 annual membership stands out by offering AI-driven insights, automated portfolio management, and no transaction fees - making it a cost-effective and predictable option.
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Which Service Fits Your Needs
Best Uses for MetLife
MetLife stands out for clients with more intricate financial needs and long-term planning goals. Here's who might benefit most:
- High-Net-Worth Individuals: If you're managing a large or complex portfolio, MetLife offers tailored investment management and estate planning services to meet your needs.
- Business Owners: MetLife Investment Management provides expertise in areas like fixed income and private credit markets, making it a solid choice for entrepreneurs looking for specialized financial strategies.
- Families with Multi-Generation Planning Needs: For families needing a mix of insurance and investment solutions, MetLife’s integrated approach can help navigate these challenges effectively.
Best Uses for Mezzi
Mezzi’s AI-powered platform caters to clients who value simplicity, affordability, and digital convenience. It’s a good fit for:
- Tech-Savvy Investors: If you’re comfortable using digital tools and automated portfolio management, Mezzi is a natural choice.
- Cost-Conscious Clients: Mezzi is ideal for those who want professional oversight without high fees.
- Young Professionals: For those just starting their financial journey, Mezzi provides flexibility and round-the-clock access to insights, making it easy to stay on track.
This aligns with Mezzi’s focus on efficiency and affordability, as highlighted earlier.
"Financial advice, in my view, is an ideal test bed because the stakes are really high. There's a lot of money in this space, a lot of financial advisers, and a lot of problems with having bad financial advice." – Andrew W. Lo, Professor of Finance at MIT Sloan
Decision Checklist
Use this table to help decide which service aligns best with your financial priorities:
| Factor | Choose MetLife If You… | Choose Mezzi If You… |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Size | Manage a significant, diversified portfolio | Are just starting out |
| Service Preference | Value in-person meetings with advisors | Prefer a digital-first experience |
| Planning Needs | Need estate or tax planning | Want straightforward investment tools |
| Cost Sensitivity | Are okay with higher fees (around 1% AUM) | Prefer lower fees (0.25–0.50% AUM) |
| Time Investment | Want dedicated advisor support | Like self-directed, AI-powered tools |
Key Takeaways: Go with MetLife if you’re managing a complex, diversified portfolio, need specialized services like real estate or private credit, and value personal attention. Mezzi is your go-to if you’re focused on keeping costs low (e.g., $199/year for Premium Membership) while accessing AI-driven insights and unlimited chat support. Both options cater to distinct needs, so carefully weigh what matters most to you.
AI vs Human Advisors: Who Will Manage Your Money Better?
Final Recommendations
MetLife and Mezzi cater to different types of investors, each offering distinct benefits. MetLife focuses on personalized financial planning, making it a strong choice for tackling complex financial situations. Their advisors craft detailed strategies to help you prepare for unexpected events.
"Working with a disciplined advisor can take much of the emotional stress out of managing one's wealth and avoid these mistakes." – Pat Kujawa, AIF, regional director at wealth advisor Halbert Hargrove
This personal touch is a key part of MetLife's broader advisory approach, especially for those seeking traditional, collaborative guidance in areas like retirement planning.
On the other hand, Mezzi provides fast, automated portfolio management and actionable insights. Their platform can deliver tailored recommendations in just five minutes. For $199 per year, their Premium Membership unlocks advanced features. For more details, see our earlier breakdown of Mezzi's AI capabilities.
That said, AI-based platforms have their limitations. Research has shown that certain AI-recommended allocations can result in lower sustainable income and inheritance potential.
When planning for retirement, keep these factors in mind:
- Timing: If you're within a decade of retirement, MetLife's credentialed advisors may offer better support for critical, irreversible decisions.
- Complexity: MetLife excels in managing intricate financial plans, while Mezzi is better suited for straightforward investment needs.
- Budget: Decide whether Mezzi's subscription model or MetLife's personalized services fit your financial priorities.
- Comfort with Technology: Your ease with digital tools should guide your choice between Mezzi's tech-driven approach and MetLife's human advisors.
Ultimately, your decision depends on your financial situation and preferences. If you value one-on-one interaction and need help with complex decisions, MetLife's services may be worth the higher cost. For those comfortable with digital tools and seeking a more independent, cost-efficient option, Mezzi is a strong alternative.
