Fiduciary Homework

Hosts Don McDonald and Tom Cock emphasize the critical importance of hiring a fiduciary financial advisor, legally required to act in your best interests and transparently disclose conflicts of interest, such as fees and commissions. They caution listeners against advisors who misleadingly claim fiduciary status and advise verifying credentials through reliable resources like FINRA's BrokerCheck. By reviewing documents like Form ADV Part 2, investors can clearly identify conflicts of interest and fee structures. Highlighting examples from Ameriprise Financial and Appella Wealth, they illustrate the contrast between firms with extensive conflicts and those genuinely fiduciary-focused. The hosts underscore maintaining diversified, low-cost portfolios and avoiding market timing. They encourage investors to utilize available educational resources and thorough advisor vetting to secure their financial well-being.

0:32 Introduction to Fiduciary Responsibility

2:11 Finding a Fiduciary Financial Advisor

6:39 Verifying Advisor Credentials

8:39 Researching Financial Firms

11:23 Understanding Fees and Compensation

13:23 Conflicts of Interest Explained

16:43 Importance of Due Diligence

21:39 Listener Questions on Investment Strategies

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