What is a fee only adviser?
A fee only
adviser is one who, in most circumstances, is compensated solely by
the client, with neither the adviser nor any related party receiving
compensation that is contingent upon the purchase or sale of a financial
product.
Why is
fee only compensation of critical importance?
An adviser who has a financial stake in the course of action
that he recommends to a client faces an inherent conflict of
interest and cannot be considered objective and unbiased. This is true
even if the adviser truly believes that he has only the best
interests of the client at heart. Unfortunately, the vast majority of
financial advisers in the United States are sellers of financial
products.
Substantially
all of their income is dependent upon their ability to steer their
clients to a limited number of the thousands of financial products
available today. Putting aside the conflict of interest factor, this
limiting of choices, in and of itself, often is enough to impact the
quality of the investment advice. These advisers include
stock brokers, analysts, insurance agents, accountants and attorneys,
as well as financial planners. Many of their clients are not aware of
their advisers’ dependence on selling products, or they do not recognize
its significance.
Many of the problems that
confront Americans today in their
financial affairs – including the mismanagement of debt, failure to
protect retirement assets and poor allocation of savings and
investments – relate directly to the conflicts of interest that
pervade the marketplace.
What
experience do you have?
I have
many years experience as a Certified Public Accountant. However,
remember that degrees, credentials and honors are not the same as
experience, wisdom, sound judgment and integrity.
Will you
be the only person working with me?
As
owner of the company I will be your close adviser. I also have
administrative support staff who will be assisting me.
Can you
help me develop a plan to retire in a number of years?
Yes, I can
if it's possible.
Will you
advise me on retirement spending?
Yes, this
is a regular request.
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