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Financial Advisor Checklist: 8 Must-Have Credentials

  • Writer: Fiduciary Financial Advise
    Fiduciary Financial Advise
  • Dec 23, 2025
  • 17 min read

Choosing the right financial advisor is critical for managing your savings, planning for retirement, and safeguarding your financial future. But here's the catch: titles like "financial advisor" aren't regulated, so anyone can claim them without proper qualifications. To protect yourself, focus on advisors with proven credentials. These credentials signal expertise, ethics, and accountability.

Here are the 8 key credentials to look for:

  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP®): Comprehensive financial planning expertise with strict fiduciary standards.

  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®): Investment-focused credential with rigorous exams and ethical requirements.

  • Certified Public Accountant/Personal Financial Specialist (CPA/PFS): Tax and financial planning combined.

  • Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®): Specialized in fiduciary investment processes.

  • Registered Investment Advisor (RIA): Legal fiduciary duty to act in your best interest.

  • Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA®): Trust management and estate planning expertise.

  • Written Fiduciary Commitment: A signed document ensuring the advisor prioritizes your interests.

  • Fee-Only Compensation Structure: Advisors paid directly by clients, avoiding commission conflicts.

Why it matters: Credentials ensure your advisor has the skills, experience, and ethical commitment to guide your finances responsibly. Always verify their qualifications using trusted tools like FINRA BrokerCheck, SEC IAPD, or the CFP Board's directory.

Want peace of mind? Look for these 8 credentials before trusting someone with your financial future.

Financial Advisor Credentials Comparison: Requirements and Fiduciary Standards

1. Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)

The CFP® designation stands as a leading credential in financial planning. It's widely recognized for advisors who focus on a comprehensive, client-first approach to managing finances. Unlike certifications that target specific areas, CFP® professionals are trained across 72 areas of financial expertise [6], enabling them to address complex financial situations. This includes integrating budgeting, taxes, retirement, estate planning, and investments into cohesive plans.

"CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification is the standard for financial planning. CFP® professionals meet rigorous education, training and ethical standards, and are committed to serving their clients' best interests today to prepare them for a more secure tomorrow." - Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. [10]

This broad approach resonates strongly with clients. In fact, 81% of consumers prefer working with an advisor who manages all aspects of their financial life [6], and 84% of those who work with a CFP® professional report being extremely or very satisfied [6].


CFP® Certification Requirements

Earning the CFP® designation involves meeting four key criteria: Education, Examination, Experience, and Ethics. Here's what each step entails:

Education: Candidates must complete financial planning coursework through a CFP Board Registered Program and hold a bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited institution [12][15]. The coursework typically takes 12 to 18 months [12]. Professionals with certain credentials, like CPA, CFA, or a Ph.D. in business or economics, may qualify for waivers on some initial coursework [15]. While you can take the exam before earning your degree, you’ll have up to five years after passing to fulfill the degree requirement [12][14].

Examination: The CFP® exam is a 170-question, multiple-choice test administered in two three-hour sessions on the same day [12][14]. It includes individual questions, scenario-based problems, and case studies designed to test your ability to handle real-world financial planning challenges. The exam is rigorous, with a pass rate of 62% in November 2024 [14]. That year, a record 10,437 candidates attempted the exam [14].

Experience: Candidates need either 6,000 hours of professional experience in financial planning or 4,000 hours of apprenticeship [12][3]. This experience must be completed within 10 years before or five years after passing the exam [12].

Ethics: The final step requires signing an Ethics Declaration and passing a background check. CFP® professionals must commit to acting as fiduciaries, always prioritizing their clients’ best interests [12][13].

Continuing Education: After certification, CFP® professionals are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years, including two hours focused on the Code of Ethics [15].

Requirement

Details

Education

Coursework from Registered Program + Bachelor's Degree (any major)

Exam

170 questions; two 3-hour sessions; 1 day

Experience

6,000 hours (Standard) or 4,000 hours (Apprenticeship)

Ethics

Background check + Fiduciary "Ethics Declaration"

Maintenance

30 hours of Continuing Education (CE) every 2 years


CFP® Fiduciary Duty

A central feature of the CFP® designation is its fiduciary commitment. CFP® professionals are legally and ethically bound to act in their clients' best interests when providing financial planning services [11][12]. This obligation is enforced by the CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct, which holds advisors accountable for their advice and actions.

The CFP Board actively monitors compliance and can suspend or permanently revoke certifications for ethical violations [16]. This strict oversight ensures that CFP® professionals are not only qualified but also adhere to high professional standards.

"CFP® certification means being subject to a higher standard in delivering financial advice." - Jack Harmon II, CFP® [8]

To verify a CFP® professional's status and disciplinary history, you can use the CFP Board's "Verify a CFP® Professional" tool. This transparency allows you to confirm that your advisor’s credentials are current and trustworthy before entrusting them with your financial plans.

Next, we’ll delve into the CFA® designation and its investment-focused principles.


2. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®)

The CFA® designation is often regarded as the pinnacle of achievement for investment professionals, particularly those specializing in investment analysis and portfolio management. This globally recognized credential emphasizes rigorous investment research, security analysis, and institutional portfolio management. By December 2024, over 200,000 professionals worldwide will have earned this prestigious charter, showcasing their expertise in the field [17][18].

Achieving the CFA® charter requires passing three increasingly challenging exams. Level I focuses on basic investment tools, Level II applies these tools to asset valuation, and Level III integrates this knowledge for portfolio management and wealth planning [17][18]. The average pass rate over the past decade stands at about 43%, with Level I at 41%, Level II at 46%, and Level III at 51% [18]. On average, candidates dedicate more than 300 hours of study per level and typically complete the program in about four years [18][19].

In addition to passing the exams, candidates must accumulate 4,000 hours of relevant work experience over a minimum of three years. The curriculum spans ten core areas, including Ethical and Professional Standards, Quantitative Methods, Economics, Financial Statement Analysis, and Corporate Finance. Beginning in 2025, the Level III exam will introduce specialized pathways, allowing candidates to focus on Portfolio Management, Private Markets, or Private Wealth [17].

"The CFA charter is one of the most respected designations in finance and is widely considered to be the gold standard in the field of investment analysis." – Investopedia [18]

The program costs range from $3,320 to $4,220, with an additional one-time enrollment fee of $350 [18]. According to industry data, CFA charterholders earn, on average, 57% more than individuals who have only completed Level I certification, when adjusted for years of experience [18].


CFA® Ethics and Fiduciary Principles

Ethics form the backbone of the CFA® designation. Every charterholder is required to annually affirm their commitment to the CFA Institute's Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. This commitment is strictly enforced through a formal complaint system and a disciplinary committee, which holds the authority to permanently revoke a charter for ethical violations [17][18]. These standards ensure that professionals prioritize their clients' interests, aligning with fiduciary principles.

"The CFA designation gives confidence to both sides of the table, to myself and my technical skills, and to the client that they're dealing with a competent professional." – CFA Institute [19]

To verify a charterholder's status or review any disciplinary actions, advisors and clients can consult the CFA Institute's member database. This transparency ensures you’re working with professionals who not only possess advanced technical expertise but also uphold the highest ethical standards in managing investments.

Next, we’ll explore other credentials that are critical for fiduciary financial advisors.


3. Certified Public Accountant (CPA®) and Personal Financial Specialist (PFS®)

The CPA designation is widely recognized for expertise in accounting, auditing, and tax preparation. Adding the PFS credential builds on this foundation by demonstrating advanced skills in financial planning. Offered exclusively by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the PFS credential uniquely blends deep tax knowledge with comprehensive financial planning capabilities [20].

To earn the PFS credential, candidates must log between 3,000 and 7,000 hours of relevant experience [20][2]. The certification exam includes 160 questions covering essential topics like estate planning, retirement strategies, investments, insurance, and elder care [20]. CPAs who already hold the CFP® or ChFC designations are eligible for an exam waiver [20].

"All areas of personal financial planning - estate, retirement, investments and insurance - have tax implications, and only a CPA/PFS has the experience, ethics and expertise to get the job done right." – AICPA [20]

To maintain their PFS credential, professionals must complete 60 hours of continuing education in personal financial planning every three years [20]. You can verify a CPA/PFS's credentials through the AICPA's Member and Credential Holder Directory, which ensures transparency about their active status and any disciplinary history [20].

This dual designation equips advisors to seamlessly integrate tax strategies with broader financial planning.


Tax Planning and Financial Strategy

Every financial decision carries tax implications, and a CPA/PFS ensures these are carefully woven into an overall strategy [20][24]. Whether it's planning a Roth IRA conversion, structuring estate gifts, or rebalancing an investment portfolio, a CPA/PFS prioritizes tax efficiency in every recommendation. This approach sets them apart from advisors who might overlook the tax consequences of their financial advice.

CPA/PFS professionals are bound by the AICPA's Code of Professional Conduct and the Statement on Standards in Personal Financial Planning Services, ensuring their advice is both ethical and objective [20][21]. If the CPA/PFS also acts as a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), they take on a fiduciary duty to prioritize your best interests. To confirm this, you can review their Form ADV, which outlines their fiduciary obligations [5][22].

"People who hold both the CPA and the PFS provide individuals, families, and their closely held businesses confidence in the services they provide and the assurance of objective guidance that takes all aspects (including tax) of their situation into account." – AICPA [20]

4. Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®)

The AIF® designation is designed to help financial advisors meet strict fiduciary standards. Managed by Fi360, a Broadridge company, this credential is grounded in the "21 Prudent Practices" - a structured investment process that aligns with U.S. laws and legal precedents [29]. With over 11,000 professionals holding the AIF® designation [25], it’s a widely recognized qualification for advisors dedicated to prioritizing their clients' best interests. This certification builds upon the foundational fiduciary principles discussed earlier.

To earn the designation, candidates must complete 20–25 hours of training and pass a 120-minute, 80-question exam with a minimum score of 70% [26]. The training costs range from $1,600 to $2,000, and annual dues are approximately $325 [26][27]. Candidates must also meet specific experience requirements: either two years of relevant experience paired with a bachelor’s degree and a qualifying designation, five years with either a degree or designation, or eight years of experience without either [30].

"The AIF designation is awarded to those meeting rigorous educational, competency, and ethical standards for fiduciary care." – John Faustino, Head of Fi360 at Broadridge [26]

The AIF® designation is one of the few credentials independently accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), offering third-party validation of an advisor's expertise. To maintain the designation, designees must complete six hours of continuing education annually and adhere to the AIF® Code of Ethics [26][28].


AIF® Standards for Investment Advice

A key focus of AIF® training is distinguishing between the suitability and fiduciary standards. Under the suitability standard, advisors are only required to recommend investments that are "suitable" for a client's needs, even if those investments generate higher commissions. The fiduciary standard, however, demands that advisors recommend the best available option, such as the lowest-cost fund, regardless of how it impacts their compensation [26].

Another critical component of the training is the emphasis on proper documentation. Advisors are taught to maintain a thorough "paper trail" that outlines their due diligence and justifies their investment recommendations. This practice not only protects clients but also safeguards advisors from potential claims of mismanagement [27]. Clients can even request written reports detailing how the Prudent Practices framework was applied to their specific situations.

"The AIF credential focuses on improving client service. However, it also aims to make professional life safer for financial advisors... by having proper documentation and avoiding conflicts of interest." – SmartAsset [27]

To verify an advisor’s AIF® status, you can consult the Fi360 Designee Search or the FINRA database [30].


5. Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)

Understanding a firm's status as a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) is just as important as evaluating individual credentials.

An RIA is a firm registered with either the SEC or state regulators to provide fee-based investment advice [37][36]. It's worth noting that the term "RIA" refers to the firm itself, while the individuals working there are called Investment Adviser Representatives (IARs) [36][32]. This distinction is key when verifying credentials and determining who holds legal responsibility for the advice you receive.


How RIA Registration Works

The registration process for RIAs is tied to Assets Under Management (AUM):

  • Firms managing less than $100 million register with state regulators.

  • Firms managing $110 million or more register with the SEC.

  • Those managing between $100 million and $110 million can choose either state or federal registration [37][32].

To register, firms must file Form ADV through the Investment Adviser Registration Depository (IARD), an electronic system run by FINRA. The SEC then has 45 days to either approve the registration or initiate denial proceedings [31][32].

For individual advisors, passing the Series 65 exam is required. This exam consists of 140 multiple-choice questions, and a minimum of 92 correct answers is needed to pass. However, professionals with CFP® or CFA® designations may qualify for waivers in many states [32].


Verifying RIA Credentials

You can confirm an RIA's status through the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) website at adviserinfo.sec.gov. This platform provides access to Form ADV filings for both firms and individual representatives [34][5]. For state-registered advisors, the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) website lists contact details for state regulators [35]. If the advisor is dual-registered, you can also use FINRA's BrokerCheck tool [34][5]. These resources ensure transparency and help you verify the regulatory standing of any advisor.


RIA Fiduciary Obligation

RIAs are held to a fiduciary standard, which sets them apart from other financial professionals.

Under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, RIAs are legally required to act in their clients' best interests at all times [33][38]. This fiduciary duty includes two key responsibilities:

  • Duty of Care: Providing advice that is well-informed and suitable for the client’s specific needs.

  • Duty of Loyalty: Prioritizing client interests and fully disclosing any conflicts of interest [38].

"All investment advisers are fiduciaries that owe a duty of care and loyalty to their clients." – Chris Stanley, Founder, Beach Street Legal [38]

This fiduciary standard is stricter than the "Regulation Best Interest" or suitability standard that applies to brokers and registered representatives [36][5]. While brokers are only required to recommend investments that are suitable, RIAs must recommend the best possible options for their clients. SEC-registered RIAs also maintain a written code of ethics and require "access persons" to report personal securities transactions to prevent abuse. These requirements, introduced in 2004, followed a wave of trading violations in the industry [38].


How to Confirm Fiduciary Status

To ensure an advisor adheres to fiduciary principles, request their Form ADV Part 2 (commonly called the "Brochure"). This document, written in plain language, outlines their fee structure, services, investment strategies, and any potential conflicts of interest [37][39]. Additionally, review Item 11 of Form ADV Part 1, which discloses any disciplinary actions, regulatory violations, or criminal history involving the advisor or their team [35]. This transparency is crucial for making informed decisions about your financial advisor.


6. Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA®)

The Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA®) is a designation offered by the American Bankers Association (ABA) for professionals specializing in trust management, estate planning, and fiduciary services. It’s particularly valuable for clients dealing with intricate trust arrangements or managing wealth across generations. Holding this credential signifies a level of expertise that goes beyond standard financial planning.

In 2020, the ABA updated the designation's name to "Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor" to better emphasize its fiduciary focus.

To earn the CTFA®, candidates must pass a 200-question exam covering five key areas: fiduciary and trust activities (25%), financial planning (25%), tax law (25%), investment management (20%), and ethics (5%) [41][43]. The exam fee is $750, with a $450 fee for retakes. Additionally, candidates must meet experience requirements, which range from 3 to 10 years in wealth management, depending on their educational qualifications [40][42].

"I strongly support obtaining and maintaining the CTFA designation for trust and wealth management professionals. It is the 'gold standard' in our industry." – American Bankers Association

CTFA® in Trust and Estate Planning

CTFA® holders are equipped to tackle the complexities of trust and estate planning, applying their specialized knowledge to real-world challenges. Their expertise includes trust administration, estate settlement, guardianship, and tax planning - areas where a deeper understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks is crucial.

To maintain the credential, professionals must adhere to the ABA's Code of Ethics, complete 45 continuing education credits every three years, and pay an annual renewal fee of $275 [41][42].

When considering a CTFA® professional, it’s wise to verify their certification through the American Bankers Association’s official directory. Additionally, ask about their specific experience level, as the ABA categorizes professionals based on 3, 5, or 10 years of wealth management experience. Note that experience in corporate or employee benefit trusts does not count toward this requirement.

"Professionals with the CTFA designation are committed to a fiduciary standard, obligating them to act in the best interests of their clients." – Allan Slider, Founder, FeeOnlyNetwork.com

7. Written Fiduciary Commitment

A written fiduciary commitment, like those seen with CFP® and RIA standards, serves as a powerful reinforcement of an advisor's obligation to act in your best interest. While credentials are important, this document provides an added layer of legal assurance. It clearly states that the advisor is bound to prioritize your interests over their own in every interaction[23].

This distinction is crucial because not all financial professionals adhere to the same standards. For example, Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are legally required to act as fiduciaries. In contrast, some broker-dealers only need to meet the requirements of "Regulation Best Interest", which is less rigorous and applies solely at the time of making a recommendation[5]. By securing a signed fiduciary commitment, you eliminate any uncertainty about the standards governing your relationship with the advisor.

"A fiduciary should be willing to provide a signed document that attests to their obligation to act in your best interests at all times." – Mike Rogers, Founder and President, 360 Financial[44]

This written document should not only enforce the fiduciary standard throughout your relationship but also require full disclosure of any conflicts of interest[23]. This is particularly relevant when dealing with "fee-only" versus "fee-based" advisors. While fee-only advisors operate under a fiduciary standard at all times, fee-based advisors might only provide fiduciary advice selectively, earning commissions on other products they sell[9].

To ensure alignment between the advisor’s written commitment and their actual practices, review their Form ADV. This form provides valuable insights and helps confirm that their fiduciary obligations are consistently upheld[23][9]. In the next section, we’ll explore how this commitment aligns with the fee-only compensation model.


8. Fee-Only Compensation Structure

A fee-only compensation structure means your financial advisor earns income solely from direct fees you pay, not from commissions or rebates [45]. These fees might take the form of hourly rates, flat fees for specific projects, percentages of assets under management (AUM), or monthly retainers.

This setup removes conflicts of interest. Advisors working under this model aren't influenced by product commissions, and fees tied to AUM align their success with the growth of your portfolio [23].

"NAPFA's position is that the Fee-Only method of compensation is the most transparent and objective method available." – National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) [45]

It's important not to confuse "fee-only" with "fee-based" compensation. A fee-based advisor may charge you a fee but also earn commissions from selling financial products, which can create potential conflicts of interest. On the other hand, commission-based advisors rely entirely on product sales, and their recommendations might be merely "suitable" rather than the best fit for your financial goals.

The fee-only model reinforces transparency and a fiduciary commitment to act in your best interest.


Verifying Fee-Only Status with Form ADV

To confirm that an advisor adheres to a fee-only model, check their Form ADV, available on the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website at adviserinfo.sec.gov [46]. Pay close attention to Part 2A, which is a plain-English brochure detailing their fee structure, billing practices, and any potential conflicts of interest. Specifically, look for disclosures about "compensation from the sale of securities or other investment products." If such disclosures exist, the advisor is not strictly fee-only.

You can also check if the advisor is a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), as all NAPFA members must follow a fee-only compensation model. A trustworthy advisor should provide their Form ADV Part 2A early in your consultation. If they fail to do so, consider it a major red flag [46].


How to Verify Financial Advisor Credentials

Before hiring a financial advisor, it's crucial to confirm their credentials and background to safeguard your interests.

Start by requesting the advisor's Central Registration Depository (CRD) number. This unique identifier helps you search regulatory databases to review their qualifications, employment history, and any disciplinary actions [7]. Use tools like FINRA BrokerCheck (brokercheck.finra.org) to verify brokers and investment adviser representatives, and the SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) site at adviserinfo.sec.gov for Registered Investment Advisors. Both platforms provide insights into registration status, work history, and any red flags, such as legal disputes or customer complaints. Additionally, you can consult the CFP Board's "Disciplined Individuals by State" list or the SEC Action Lookup – Individuals (SALI) database for further checks [7][15].

To confirm specific credentials, visit the issuing organization's website. For example, the CFP Board's "Verify a CFP Professional" tool allows you to verify if an advisor's certification is active or has been suspended or revoked [15][48]. Similarly, the CFA Institute Directory confirms the status of Chartered Financial Analyst charterholders and their compliance with the Code of Ethics [9]. For CPAs holding the Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation, you can check with the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) [48]. These verification steps are essential to ensure that advisors meet fiduciary standards.


Credential Verification Resources

Here are some key resources to verify financial advisor credentials:

  • SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD): Visit adviserinfo.sec.gov to confirm RIA registration and review Form ADV, which outlines fee structures and potential conflicts of interest [7][34].

  • FINRA BrokerCheck: Access brokercheck.finra.org to review brokers' employment history, licensing details, and consumer complaints [7].

  • CFP Board Website: Use cfp.net to verify if an advisor is a CFP® professional in good standing [47][48].

  • CFA Institute Directory: Confirm the status and ethics compliance of CFA charterholders [9].

  • FINRA Professional Designations Tool: Explore a database of over 100 financial designations, including requirements and issuing organizations [4][7].

Always confirm directly with the issuing organization to ensure credentials are current and that the advisor meets continuing education or ethics requirements. For example, CFP professionals must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their certification [15]. Below is a comparison table to help guide your decision when evaluating financial advisor credentials.


Table: Financial Advisor Credentials Comparison

Credential

Issuing Organization

Key Requirements

Fiduciary Standard

CFP®

CFP Board

Bachelor's degree, 6,000 hours experience, proctored exam

Yes (mandatory fiduciary duty) [47][15]

CFA®

CFA Institute

3 exam levels, 48 months experience, bachelor's degree

Ethics code; depends on role [9][44]

CPA/PFS™

AICPA

Must be a CPA, 3,000 hours planning experience, exam

Yes (for planning services) [9][44]

AIF®

Fi360 / Broadridge

Specialized training in fiduciary standards

Yes (specifically trained) [44]

RIA

SEC or State Regulators

Firm/Individual registration

Yes (legally bound by Investment Advisers Act) [44]

ChFC®

American College of Financial Services

~400 hours of study, 30 hours CE every 2 years

Often aligns with fiduciary standards [1][4]


Conclusion

Selecting a financial advisor involves finding a professional who is both credentialed and committed to acting in your best interest. Credentials serve as a critical filter, helping you distinguish between those who possess formal education, expertise, and accountability, and those who do not.

The designations mentioned - such as CFP®, CFA®, CPA®/PFS®, AIF®, and RIA registrations - highlight a level of proficiency beyond basic qualifications. These credentials signify not only technical expertise but also adherence to strict ethical standards, with oversight from certifying organizations that can impose sanctions or revoke credentials if misconduct occurs.

To ensure you're making an informed choice, it's important to verify these credentials through trusted resources. Tools like the SEC's IAPD, FINRA BrokerCheck, and the CFP Board's verification platform allow you to confirm an advisor's qualifications and check for any disciplinary history. Additionally, reviewing their Form ADV provides clarity on their compensation structure, ensuring they operate transparently and align with your financial goals. Taking these steps can give you confidence that your advisor upholds fiduciary standards and prioritizes your best interests.


FAQs


How can I check if a financial advisor is properly qualified?

To confirm a financial advisor's credentials, start by requesting a list of their professional designations. Once you have this, verify their qualifications using reliable sources like regulator databases. For example, you can use the SEC’s Form ADV (available at adviserinfo.sec.gov) or FINRA’s BrokerCheck. Additionally, reach out to credentialing organizations directly, such as the CFP Board for Certified Financial Planners or the CFA Institute for Chartered Financial Analysts.

These tools ensure the advisor's certifications are valid and that they adhere to professional and ethical standards.


What’s the difference between fee-only and fee-based financial advisors?

Fee-only financial advisors are paid solely through the fees their clients pay for services such as financial planning, investment advice, or asset management. Since they don’t earn commissions or receive compensation from selling financial products, this approach helps minimize potential conflicts of interest.

On the other hand, fee-based advisors earn fees from their clients but can also receive commissions or other payments tied to financial products they recommend. This dual-payment structure may sometimes lead to recommendations that don’t entirely align with a client’s best interests.


Why is it important to choose a financial advisor with a fiduciary commitment?

When selecting a financial advisor, it's essential to choose one with a fiduciary commitment. Why? Because fiduciaries are legally bound to prioritize your best interests above their own. Their advice is driven by what benefits you, not by the commissions or fees they might earn.

This kind of advisor offers a level of transparency and trust that can put your mind at ease. You can feel confident knowing their guidance is focused on helping you achieve your financial goals with unbiased, professional advice tailored specifically to your situation.


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