Avoid Bad Advice
Bad advice is everywhere. Good advisors are hard to find. Your best protection is knowledge and awareness.
"To a man with only a hammer every problem looks like a nail."
Be aware that some financial advisors may have limited tools and limited focus. For example, insurance-only advisors are not prepared nor legally allowed to give advice about securities like stocks and bonds. On the other hand, stock brokers may not be properly licensed nor understand insurance. Some advisors, like us, do both - without prejudice, using the right tools for the right job.
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"Follow the Money"
Remember "Deep Throat" - the secret informer to Woodward and Bernstein at the Washington Post during the Watergate Scandal. Deep Throat said famously: "Follow the Money." Be aware of this while you seek good advice because many advisors' financial interests conflict directly with their clients - and these advisors have no obligation to tell you about the conflict! Some advisors, like us, are legally required to always act in our clients' "best interest" and to inform you about even a potential conflict.