The Fee-Only Alternative to Business as Usual on Wall Street

Traditional Wall Street firms have failed to deliver credible, objective advice.  Their commission-based compensation system irreparably taints the advice process with conflicts of interest and hidden agendas.  But there is a viable alternative to the commission-crazed, churn-and-burn stockbroker.  The independent, fee-only registered investment advisor offers objective advice, superior service, and economical and effective execution

The vast majority of these firms are relatively small, without the marketing clout of the giant institutions.  So, they are not “top of mind” when investors seek out advice.  But they offer a key invaluable advantage: objective advice.  Because a fee-only advisor derives all of his income from fully disclosed fees paid directly by the client, conflicts of interest are virtually eliminated.  There remains no financial incentive that would prevent the advisor from providing the very best advice for each individual.  So, while the advisor may not always be “right” in his counsel, there are no hidden agendas, or conflicts of interest to cloud his vision or taint the relationship.  And, after all, what good is advice if it’s not objective?

The demand for impartial professional advice is enormous and growing.  For instance, since 1989, assets with Schwab’s Financial Advisor Service have grown to nearly a half trillion dollars managed by 5,600 independent registered investment advisors!  Fidelity and Waterhouse are also experiencing exponential growth in similar services, with others entering the fray close on their heels.  Clearly, Americans are looking for unbiased professional advice and an intelligent alternative to Wall Street’s commission-induced conflicts of interest and voodoo-based investment schemes.