“Financial advisor” can describe many different kinds of professionals, held to many different standards. One word helps cut through the confusion: fiduciary.
What a fiduciary is
A fiduciary is obligated to act in your best interest — with care, loyalty and transparency. When I provide investment advice, that is the standard I am held to: your goals, your timeline and your comfort with risk come before anything else.
What the AIF® designation adds
The Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation reflects specialized training in fiduciary standards and in following a prudent, documented investment process. Paired with the CFP® certification, it means recommendations are built around what your money is for — not around a product.
Questions worth asking any advisor
- Are you acting as a fiduciary for this recommendation?
- How are you paid, and what will this cost me each year?
- What process did you use to choose this, and how will we review it?
- Will you coordinate with my CPA and estate attorney?
You deserve clear answers to each one. In my practice, we review them together at the start — and keep reviewing them as your life and the markets change.
Fiduciary obligations apply to investment advisory services. Brokerage and insurance services are subject to different standards; I will always explain which standard applies to a recommendation.
Want to see how this applies to you? Book a 20-minute Clarity Call with Nancy or call the office at 561-997-8800 or Nancy’s cell at 561-690-6002.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not individualized investment, tax or legal advice. Neither Osaic Wealth nor its representatives offer tax or legal advice; please consult your CPA or attorney about your situation.