Beyond Automation: Why a Human Financial Advisor Beats AI

By Brett Gottlieb

As AI and robo-advisors become more prevalent, it’s tempting to rely solely on technology for your financial decisions. But when you’re faced with complex situations or unpredictable economic changes, the experience and guidance of a trusted human advisor becomes invaluable. Here’s why I believe a personal financial advisor can offer significant advantages over a robo-advisor.

Experience

Robo-advisors can be helpful when you’re just starting your financial journey and have smaller balances to manage. Since there are often fewer fees with a robo-advisor, it’s usually a good fit for beginners. However, if you’ve been letting your robo-advisor run the show for a few years while your finances have grown and become more complex, it might be time to upgrade to a human financial advisor.

These are certified professionals some with years of experience in a wide variety of financial situations. Financial advisors are trained to help clients manage their finances and pursue their money goals. They stay up to date on the latest financial news and trends, which can help you receive the most current and relevant advice. No matter what’s happening in the markets or in your accounts, your financial advisor is equipped to develop the plan you need to pursue your financial goals with confidence.

Personalized Advice

The help of a robo-advisor is limited to its algorithm or the lines of code it uses to make decisions; and it only makes decisions with the basic information you provide. Data such as your risk tolerance, investment amount, and time horizon are used to calculate the best investments for you. Again, could be great for beginners.

When life gets more complex, you need financial advice that’s customized to your specific situation. A financial advisor takes a holistic approach to managing your money by reviewing your situation in greater detail. They get to know you, not just the numbers. They help you identify areas of improvement and find ways to solve your biggest financial issues.

A financial advisor is there to help you lay out a plan toward your financial goals too. A human advisor might help you strategize how you can retire early, how to expand your small business, or how to pay for your child’s college tuition.

Emotional Support

Finances are usually seen as a more logical topic, but emotions are deeply connected to your financial situation in ways you might not have considered. During times of economic uncertainty, you might feel scared, stressed, or concerned. When things are going extremely well, you might feel overjoyed, carefree, or impulsive. These emotions affect your ability to make wise financial and investment decisions.

A trustworthy human financial advisor can guide you through those decisions with greater clarity. Instead of letting your emotions run the show, advisors look at your situation objectively to help you make an informed decision even in challenging moments. 

Accountability

If you’ve had trouble sticking to your financial plan before, a financial advisor could provide the accountability you need. Financial advisors and planners can help you create a budget, track your expenses, and monitor your progress toward your financial goals.

They’ll also help you keep those end goals in mind when you consider the other financial decisions you want to make. If your goal is to buy a home, your financial advisor might remind you of that when you want to purchase a new Rolex.

Partner With a Personal Financial Advisor

While AI robo-advisors can handle basic financial needs, more complex situations require the experience and guidance of a human financial advisor. These professionals can craft customized plans tailored to your specific goals and circumstances, while adding the personal touch to your experience.

If you’re ready for a personalized approach that goes beyond just numbers, our team at Comprehensive Advisor is here to help. Reach out and email 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. Insurance products are offered through the insurance business C.A. Financial & Insurance Services. Comprehensive Advisor, LLC is an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through AE Wealth Management LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Advisor. AEWM does not offer insurance products. The insurance products offered by C.A. Financial & Insurance Services are not subject to investment Advisor requirements. 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. Any references to protection benefits, safety, security, lifetime income, etc., generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investment products. Insurance and annuity product guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. 2626833 – 9/24