What is a Fiduciary, and Why are they important?
Investing can be an intimidating venture, especially when you have no experience. That’s why finding an investment advisor with your best interest in mind is so important – and believe it or not, every firm is not the same in their approach. In this article, we will explore the idea of Fiduciary Duty and what to look for in an advisor.
What is a Fiduciary?
Simply put, a fiduciary is an advisor who always operates in the client's best interest. You might be thinking, “isn’t that assumed?” Unfortunately, no. There are various approaches to account service and fee structure, and it is important to know the difference. A fiduciary operates with a fee-based approach to their services, communicating in advance what that fee will be and working by the agreed-upon client goals and objectives, and with the client’s risk tolerance and time horizon in mind. A fee-based advisor can structure their fees in various ways, including a flat fee, a monthly retainer, or an hourly rate, to name a few. Of course, in addition to fee-based advisory services, there is also the non-fee-based method.
Commission-Based vs. Fee-Based
When an advisor is commission-based, there is considerable reason for caution on the client's part. A commission-based advisor doesn’t generally charge a fee to the client; instead, they are paid a commission that comes from accounts opened or financial products they sell, also known as “proprietary products.” When an advisor is paid based on the product they’re selling, it opens up the possibility that they are not selling you the best product for your portfolio. Even if the funds are top-notch, if the funds are from your advisor’s employer, a perceived conflict of interest is inherent.
Why is a Fiduciary Important?
The bottom line is that if you’re entrusting your money to someone, they should have your best interest in mind. Do you want to be invested in a fund with a good performance track record or a fund that benefits your advisor, regardless of performance? A fiduciary is obligated and bound by their fiduciary duty to operate in your best interest. A fee-based structure allows them to manage this way without being swayed by hefty commissions or other incentives.
At Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers, we believe you should feel confident that your advisor is working for you and your objectives, not against them. Our Chief investment officer, John-Mark Young, expounds on this topic in a recent video from our blog. Our fee-based advisory services come with transparency and an open line of communication so that you can be confident that your money is being taken care of properly.
If you want to talk to one of our fiduciary advisors, contact and schedule a meeting with one of our eleven team members today!
Wealth Managers has presented information in a fair and balanced manner.