Understanding fiduciary.

Independent Registered Investment Advisors are fiduciaries. They are obligated to act in the best interests of their clients – not in the moment, but at all times. It adds an extraordinary level of personalized service not always found in other investor-advisor relationships.

These are the questions every investor should be asking before they hire a financial advisor are you a fiduciary and can you put that in writing how do you get compensated are you incentivized what kind of planning will you provide
Video Transcript

Marianela: 4 Questions 

These are the questions every investor should be asking before they hire a financial advisor are you a fiduciary and can you put that in writing how do you get compensated are you incentivized what kind of planning will you provide

5 key benefits of independent financial advisors

Customized guidance based on your entire financial picture

Independent advisors are not tied to any particular family of funds or investment products. So whether you need help with a tax situation or managing assets at multiple places, independent advisors have the freedom to choose the investment option that’s best for you.

A relationship that's responsive, attentive, and personal

To offer advice closely aligned with your goals, independent advisors must first build a strong understanding of your situation. As a result, there is a deep focus on building client relationships. And because many of these advisors are entrepreneurs, they hold themselves personally accountable to their clients.

A fee structure that is simple and transparent

Independent advisors typically charge a fee based on a percentage of assets managed. This fee structure is simple, transparent, and easy to understand. It also gives your advisor an incentive to help grow your assets. When you succeed, your advisor succeeds.

A high level of expertise to support your complex financial needs

Independent advisors can help investors address the variety of complex investment needs that arise when you accumulate significant wealth. Some advisors are specialists in certain investment strategies. Others can assist you with comprehensive services, such as estate planning or borrowing, the sale of a business, and intergenerational wealth transfer.

Your money is held by an independent custodian, not the advisor firm

Independent advisors use independent custodians, such as Charles Schwab and others, to hold and safeguard clients’ assets. This provides a reassuring system of checks and balances—your money is not held by the same person who advises you about how to invest it.

Find a local independent financial advisor.

Find a local advisor

Once you have finished identifying your investment goals and preferences, and are ready to interview advisors, search for independent advisors in your area by using our directory and entering a five-digit ZIP code.

These advisors custody with Schwab Advisor Services™ and were not compensated for their comments. Schwab paid travel-related costs.

The Independent Difference campaign is brought to you compliments of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. The sole purpose of this campaign is to help educate investors about working with an RIA. Clients should evaluate an RIA based on their own particular needs.

Each Registered Investment Advisor (“RIA”) in the Directory is responsible for the content of its own listing, has voluntarily agreed to be included, and does not pay or receive any compensation from Schwab to include their listing in the Directory. However, Schwab does benefit from RIAs opening client accounts and maintaining their client accounts with Schwab. RIAs may have multiple listings if they operate from multiple office locations.

Schwab Advisor Services serves independent investment advisors and includes the custody, trading, and support services of Schwab. Independent investment advisors are not owned by, affiliated with, or supervised by Schwab. Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”), Member SIPC., is a separate but affiliated company and subsidiary of The Charles Schwab Corporation. (0324-NBYY)

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