7 Misconceptions About Working With A Financial Adviser (2024)

If you’re considering wealth management but are entirely new to the process, you likely have some assumptions and perhaps concerns about what working with a financial adviser is like. Numerous myths and misconceptions surround the financial advice service, some of which can deter those who are new to the process. In this blog, we’ll dispel some of the misconceptions about working with a financial adviser, and outline what you can expect when working with a financial adviser.

#1 You Must be Wealthy

One of the most prevalent misconceptions about working with a financial adviser is that you need to possess significant assets or money. This belief might have held some truth a few decades ago, but it’s no longer the case. Financial advisers today not only advise on managing wealth but also on debt management and prevention, saving, mortgages, and estate planning. These services are beneficial to the average individual, not just the wealthy. Additionally, many advisers now offer flexible charging models, including hourly rates or subscriptions. A one-off consultation to discuss financial planning or related issues can prove very beneficial in the long run, potentially saving you money. The primary goal of a financial adviser is to help you grow your wealth and enhance your financial position.

#2 Technical Jargon

Some potential clients fear that technical language or industry jargon could create communication issues. The financial advice process, however, is designed with client accessibility in mind; information is presented in a clear, easy-to-understand manner. If you’re ever unsure or confused, your adviser is there to clarify things for you.

#3 It’s Not Worth the Money

It’s natural to hesitate about spending money on advice when you think you can learn to invest and manage your assets independently. While self-education is always beneficial, an experienced financial adviser brings a level of knowledge and insight that self-guided learning often can’t match. Advisers often pay for their own fees through financial gains or savings they facilitate for their clients. They also help prevent costly errors. Reducing investment risk for your financial security and peace of mind is a worthwhile investment.

#4 Lose Autonomy/Control Over Finances

Some people prefer to keep control over their finances and may find the idea of delegating daunting. However, working with a financial adviser is a team-oriented process. Nothing will be invested or decided without your approval. You can be as involved as you wish, and your adviser will ensure regular meetings to assess your objectives and ensure you’re content with how things are going.

#5 Only for Those Over a Certain Age

The belief that financial advice is only for older individuals nearing retirement or managing their inheritance is widespread but incorrect. Starting with an adviser at a younger age can provide longer-term benefits. Besides retirement planning, an adviser can be very useful when looking to secure a mortgage or invest a large inheritance, helping to avoid costly mistakes.

#6 Online Services and Technology

In our digital age, some people believe that all financial advisory services have moved online and fear they may miss the personalised touch. While technology plays a critical role in modern financial advising, it doesn’t replace the human touch. Many financial advisers use technology to enhance their services, not to replace personal interactions. They offer face-to-face meetings, phone calls, and video conferences to maintain personal connections with their clients.

#7 One-Size-Fits-All Financial Plan

Many people may think that financial advisers offer a standardised financial plan for all clients. However, a good adviser knows that every client has unique financial needs and goals. They spend time understanding your specific circ*mstances and goals to create a tailor-made financial plan for you.

People at all life stages and with varying amounts of wealth can benefit from financial advisory services. The key is finding an adviser who specialises in your area of need, be it investment, estate planning, or retirement. If you’re ready to take the first step towards achieving your financial goals with the help of an adviser, contact us today.

Empower Your Financial Future Today

Your financial future is too critical to be left to chance. You deserve to leverage the guidance of experts who can help you navigate the complexities of financial planning, asset management, and wealth accumulation. Financial advisers are incredibly helpful when it comes to strategically planning for your financial future. They offer a wealth of knowledge and industry insight that can help you maximise your income, grow your wealth, and secure your future. Hopefully we have successfully dispelled some of the misconceptions about working with a financial adviser, and opened you up to the many possibilities and benefits they bring.

At Blacktower, our advisers are dedicated to your success. They will work closely with you to understand your financial goals and design a tailor-made plan to help you achieve those objectives. Whether you’re saving for a new home, planning for retirement, or want to leave a financial legacy for your loved ones, Blacktower’s advisers have the skills and experience to make your financial dreams a reality.

Ready to secure your financial future? Contact Blacktower today. Our expert advisers are ready and waiting to help you begin your journey towards financial security and wealth accumulation.

This communication is based on our understanding of current legislation and practices, which is subject to change and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations, or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity.

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.

7 Misconceptions About Working With A Financial Adviser (2024)

FAQs

What are the cons of working with a financial advisor? ›

Con: costs and fees

Advisor fees typically decrease the more funds you invest. You may also find that many of them offer reasonable fees given the competitiveness that has increased in this field, both online and off. Ask yourself: Will I reach my goals sooner with or without an advisor after fees are paid?

What may indicate that there is a problem with your financial adviser? ›

Signs you may have a problem

give you advice that doesn't fit with your goals or risk tolerance. make you feel intimidated or uncomfortable if you ask questions. are not upfront about how they make their money and the costs of the advice. leave you in a worse financial position than before you received the advice.

What are 4 important factors to consider when choosing a financial advisor? ›

Here are some things to think about when selecting a financial advisor:
  • Get Recommendations from a Trusted Resource. ...
  • Ask the Financial Advisors You Interview About Their Strategies and Approaches. ...
  • Consider a Financial Advisors Certifications. ...
  • Consider Their Compensation Structure.
Mar 29, 2023

What is the biggest challenges for financial advisors? ›

One area we focused on is their key concerns. Financial advisors are most concerned about business development. Nearly 80% cite the challenge of finding “ideal” clients (Exhibit 1). While an “ideal” client will vary among financial advisors, sourcing them instead of less preferred clients is a big deal.

What is the downside of using a fiduciary? ›

A disadvantage of a fiduciary is that fiduciary advisors are often more expensive than non-fiduciary advisors as they charge higher market rates.

Is my money safe with a financial advisor? ›

Most reputable financial advisors never take possession of your money. Giving them direct access makes it easy for them to steal funds. Avoid doing that unless you're 100% certain that you can trust the person you're working with.

What is a red flag for a financial advisor? ›

On the other hand, fee-based or commission-based compensation structures can both be financial advisor red flags. These advisors may earn part or all of their compensation in sales commissions. In other words, they may be more incentivized to sell products than give advice.

How do you know if a financial advisor is good? ›

Here are four traits you want to look for when gauging whether a Financial Advisor is suitable for you:
  1. They work with you. ...
  2. They take a holistic view of your finances. ...
  3. They develop and customize your investment strategy. ...
  4. They have the support of an investment team. ...
  5. There is a lack of transparency.

What financial advisors should avoid? ›

If a financial advisor you previously trusted exhibits any of these behaviors, it is worth having a conversation with them or even considering changing advisors altogether.
  • They Ignore Your Spouse. ...
  • They Talk Down to You. ...
  • They Put Their Interests Before Yours. ...
  • They Won't Return Your Calls or Emails.

How many clients should a financial advisor have? ›

A good average number of clients per financial advisor to have is usually in the range of 50 to 150. But you may need fewer than that if you're primarily targeting high-net-worth individuals. Finding your ideal number of clients can depend largely on your goals as an advisor.

At what net worth should I get a financial advisor? ›

Generally, having between $50,000 and $500,000 of liquid assets to invest can be a good point to start looking at hiring a financial advisor. Some advisors have minimum asset thresholds. This could be a relatively low figure, like $25,000, but it could $500,000, $1 million or even more.

Who is the ideal candidate for a financial advisor? ›

An ideal candidate will be capable of laying out his experiences with wealth management and explaining how he will be able to apply them to his responsibilities on the job. What to look for in an answer: Experience in the financial services industry or as a financial advisor.

What is the bias of financial advisors? ›

This is the tendency to rely too heavily on the first piece of information that we receive. For example, if a financial adviser is told that a client's risk tolerance is "medium," they may be more likely to recommend investments that are riskier than they actually need to be. Another common bias is confirmation bias.

What is the failure rate of financial advisors? ›

It's an investment. Failing to generate leads can lead to stagnant growth or a decline in business. 2. The Statistics: 80-90% of financial advisors fail and close their firm within the first three years of business.

What is the hardest part of being a financial advisor? ›

What is the hardest part about being a financial advisor? The hardest part about being a financial advisor is often the constant need for client prospecting and business development, especially in the early stages of one's career.

What is a disadvantage of hiring a financial planner? ›

Fees can be a huge drag on your portfolio's performance over time, so it's vital to know what you're paying and how much they cost you. Bankrate's investing calculator can show how much those fees will cost you over time. Spoiler: You could easily pay tens of thousands over a career. Uncertain qualifications.

What are the pros and cons of hiring a professional financial advisor? ›

Pros of hiring a financial advisor include gaining access to expertise, leveraging time, and sharing responsibility. However, there are also potential downsides to consider, such as costs and fees, quality of service, and the risk of abandonment.

Why don t people hire financial advisors? ›

Lack of perceived need. Many consumers share the perception that they simply don't need a financial planner. They may receive financial advice from a family member or friend; in some cases, they feel they've already achieved their goals and thus don't require advice.

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