Top Benefits of Having an Independent Financial Advisor on Your Financial Journey

By Brett Gottlieb

As fee-based financial advisors, we take pride in providing top-notch service to our clients by crafting personalized wealth management plans for each individual and their family. Our guidance is rooted in understanding our clients’ specific needs and aspirations because we operate as independent advisors

If you’re considering seeking personalized financial guidance from a seasoned professional, let’s explore the various compensation models for financial advisors. We’ll also shed light on why partnering with an independent advisor might be the right fit to help you build and maintain a financial plan for you and your loved ones.

Compensation Structure for Financial Advisors

Financial advisors typically fall into one of three categories: fee-only financial advisors, fee- based financial advisors, and commission-based financial advisors. As the name suggests, fee- only financial advisors are compensated through a predetermined fee, while commission-based and fee-based financial advisors are compensated at least partly through commissions earned from the selling of certain products and through certain financial transactions.

There is also a distinct difference between a fee-only financial advisor and a fee-based financial advisor. Fee-only financial advisors receive their compensation from fees paid from the client to the advisor. Additionally, fee-only advisors, or Investment Adviser Representatives, have traditionally been held to a fiduciary duty to protect their clients’ interests before their own when offering investment advisory products and services.

What exactly does it mean? Simply put, a financial advisor who has a fiduciary duty to his client has a legal responsibility to put the interests of his client before his own when offering investment advisory products and services. This means that if your financial advisor is held to the fiduciary standard of care, he must act solely in your best interests and disclose any conflicts of interests when offering investment products.

Fee-based financial advisors are generally compensated by both commissions on the sale of certain products and fees for their advice, which typically includes guidance on which financial product the client should buy from them. Fee-based and commission-based financial advisors can sometimes have a conflict of interest because tthey may work on commission and can sometimes be predisposed to promote products.

Potential Benefits of Working With an Independent Financial Advisor

Personalized, Unbiased Advice

As independent advisors, the guidance we offer our clients is objective and unbiased because we are not tied to any particular financial company or investment firm. We analyze your complete financial picture, gain an understanding of your life circumstances, dreams, and concerns, and provide advice that fits your needs. We don’t recommend products to meet quotas. As such, our mission is to help you work toward your goals with the money you have.

Fee Transparency

Typically, independent wealth advisors operate on a compensation model that is fee-only. This is important because we are not beholden to recommend products “How are you compensated?” should be a question everyone asks their financial advisor.

At Comprehensive Advisor, we are fee-only, and we do not earn money from any type of kickback or commission for recommending certain securities or investments. With us, you don’t have to wonder what you’re paying or about those inherent conflicts of interest.

We Foster Partnerships

At Comprehensive Advisor, we take pride in getting to know our clients and building strong relationships with them. We believe it’s essential to understand each person’s unique situation before offering any advice. Our goal is always to support our clients’ goals and adapt our financial plans to help suit their lives, not the other way around.

We’ve spent years establishing a practice built on trust and respect, and we take our responsibility to our clients seriously. We have their backs and help them work toward their goals. If you think Comprehensive Advisor could be the right fit for you on your financial journey, don’t hesitate to schedule a chat with us or reach out to us at info@ComprehensiveAdvisor.com or call (760) 813-2125.

About Our Advisors

Brett Gottlieb is the founder of Comprehensive Advisor and a financial advisor with nearly two decades of industry experience. He graduated from California State University -Chico with two bachelor’s degrees, in business administration and economics, and is Life Insurance licensed in several states. He is passionate about guiding his clients on retirement income planning, helping each client pursue their specific retirement goals, and defending the assets his clients have worked so hard to achieve. Brett is a California native and currently resides in San Elijo Hills with his beautiful wife and three children.

Our team of qualified professionals have experience in the financial service industry, and our advisors hail from some of the largest independent broker/dealers and banking institutions in the country. They have dedicated their professional careers to creating personalized financial strategies for individuals and families who seek successful retirement planning and currently offer investment advisory services through AE Wealth Management, LLC. Our advisors take a common-sense approach to the planning process and work with clients to create a comprehensive retirement roadmap to help ensure their assets are preserved and they receive the income needed to enjoy their future. Based in Carlsbad, California, they work with clients throughout San Diego County and beyond. Learn more by connecting with Brett on LinkedIn or email them at info@ComprehensiveAdvisor.com.

Investment advisory products and services made available through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Advisor. CA Ins. Lic. #6000262. This material is intended to provide general information and is believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal.2452783- 6/24.