Most People Don’t Really Trust Financial Advisors
Ask most families how they feel about financial advisors. You’ll hear words like “salesy,” “pushy,” or “confusing.” That’s a problem.
A 2023 Gallup poll found that only 21% of Americans trust financial advisors “a great deal.” Compare that to nurses at 79%, or doctors at 62%. That gap is huge.
People want help with their money. But they don’t want to feel tricked or sold to. They want someone in their corner. Not someone selling the product of the week.
The Real Job of a Financial Advocate
A true financial advocate isn’t a salesperson. Their job isn’t to close a deal. It’s to protect, teach, and guide.
They Protect
They keep your best interest first. No matter what. No hidden fees. No weird fine print. They help you avoid risky choices or bad investments.
They Teach
They explain money things in ways anyone can understand. Taxes, retirement plans, insurance, credit scores—they make it simple. If you don’t get it, they explain it again.
They Guide
They don’t just set up a plan and disappear. They check in. They adjust things when life changes—like when you get married, have kids, lose a job, or retire.
Salespeople Just Want a Commission
Big difference. A salesperson wants to sell something.
They might work for a bank or insurance company. They push products like credit cards, mutual funds, or annuities. The more they sell, the more they make.
Some aren’t even required to act in your best interest. That’s wild, right?
Here’s the deal: “Fiduciary” advisors must put your needs first. But only 10% of advisors are full-time fiduciaries, according to a 2022 report from the CFP Board.
That means 90% of people are getting help from someone who may not be fully on their side.
Why This Matters to Every Family
You’re Already Busy
Most families are juggling a lot. Jobs, kids, school, bills, emergencies. You don’t have hours to research every financial product.
A good advocate saves you time. They help you avoid scams. They find better deals. They flag things you missed.
Money Mistakes Are Expensive
Bad money choices don’t just cost a few bucks. They can ruin retirement, kill savings, or create debt that lasts for years.
The average U.S. household has $6,000 in credit card debt and pays over $1,000 a year in interest alone. That’s money going nowhere.
One bad insurance policy, one missed tax strategy, one forgotten investment—boom. Thousands gone.
Trust Builds Confidence
When you know someone has your back, you stress less. You feel in control. That confidence spreads to your whole family.
You make better choices. You plan better vacations. You save more. You teach your kids smart habits.
What a Real Advocate Looks Like
They Ask Questions
They want to know you—your goals, worries, dreams, values. Not just your income.
They listen more than they talk. They never rush. They want your whole picture.
They Show You Options
They don’t push one product. They lay out choices. They explain the pros and cons. They help you decide—not tell you what to do.
They Keep Things Simple
No fancy words. No charts you can’t read. No fast-talking. They explain things clearly.
If you feel confused, they try again. No judgment.
They Work With You Long-Term
They’re not there for one call. They want to grow with your family. They check in. They care when things change.
It’s a relationship, not a transaction.
How to Find the Right Person
Ask If They’re a Fiduciary
That’s key. Fiduciaries must act in your best interest. Always ask.
If they say “no,” or dodge the question, move on.
Ask How They Get Paid
Some get paid by the hour. Some by the project. Some charge a percentage of your money.
Watch out for people who make money only when you buy a certain product. That’s a red flag.
Ask for Clear Answers
Test them. Ask a money question you don’t understand. Do they explain it clearly? Do they check that you get it? Or do they sound like a walking brochure?
Read Real Reviews
Look for reviews on trusted websites. Ask your friends or coworkers. Don’t rely only on company websites—they’re usually all glowing.
What You Can Do Today
1. Review Your Financial Situation
Make a list. What do you earn? What do you owe? What do you save? What confuses you?
You don’t need to fix it all today. Just write it down.
2. Fire Anyone You Don’t Trust
If you’re already working with someone who pressures you or avoids hard questions, cut ties. You deserve better.
3. Talk to Your Family
Money isn’t a solo topic. Talk to your partner, your kids, your parents. What matters to them? What do they want to learn?
4. Find One Trusted Advocate
Start with a short list. Interview a few. Trust your gut.
Pick the one who listens the most, explains the best, and treats you like family—not a number.
Final Thoughts
Every family needs someone they can trust with their money. Not a pitch. Not a product. A real person.
A financial advocate can help you feel safe, confident, and prepared. They can help you build a life full of choices—not stress.
Don’t settle. The right advocate is out there.
And your family is worth it.