A financial advisor can provide clarity and confidence in your financial decisions. Discover how to choose the right advisor for your needs.
When you ask people what a financial advisor does, the common response is often, “My advisor manages my investments.” However, that’s just one aspect of the role and not the most crucial one.
Many individuals find the advisor-client relationship confusing. A survey revealed that a third of Americans are unsure how a financial advisor can assist them. It’s no surprise that many hesitate to seek guidance or feel uncertain about what to expect.
Let’s lift the veil and explore what truly happens when you partner with an advisor who not only possesses expertise but also aligns with your aspirations.
Here you’ll find anonymized stories from individuals who found their advisors through a platform designed to connect clients with fee-only fiduciary advisors. These narratives illustrate the transformative impact of finding the right match in ways that extend beyond financial figures.
Christine & Ben – From “Can We?” to “Absolutely, We Did It!”
When Christine and Ben began contemplating retirement, they doubted whether their long-held dream of relocating to Florida was feasible. Now in their early 60s and recently bereaved of their longtime financial advisor, they were unsure of their next steps.
They were paired with a new advisor from the same firm, but the relationship felt distant, lacking the personal touch they had previously experienced. With uncertainty looming, they sought guidance elsewhere, but instead encountered another advisor who behaved more like a salesperson than a reliable partner.
This situation is all too common. People often feel obliged to accept whoever they’re assigned. If something feels wrong, it’s essential to pay attention.
This couple needed an advisor who would examine every element of their financial landscape: deciding when to file for Social Security, evaluating pension options (including railroad retirement income), planning significant purchases like a new vehicle, and establishing a realistic timeline for their move. Most importantly, they sought clarity on when they could retire without regrets.
Eventually, they connected with Dana Mascalo, CFP®, a fee-only financial advisor specializing in retirement transitions. Dana took the time to listen intently. She described her method as a “stepping-stone approach,” where each discussion enhanced their clarity and confidence. Together, they assessed spending limits, conducted in-depth income projections, modeled various retirement timelines, and stress-tested potential market downturns and other challenges.
Since then, Christine and Ben have made multiple trips to Florida, explored neighborhoods, and ultimately purchased their dream home. They decided to sell a rental property to facilitate their move, now feeling entirely secure. Christine is just months away from retirement.
“From the moment we met Dana, it felt like we were reconnecting with the advisor we had lost,” Christine shared. “It’s been five years, and we still experience that same trust.”
Erika – From Feeling Overwhelmed to Empowered
Erika, a university librarian in Texas, inherited her mother’s estate during a particularly challenging time. In addition to her grief, she was now tasked with managing several rental properties across states, overseeing investment accounts, and navigating complex instructions for setting up trusts for her son and niece.
At that point, she reached out to a financial advisor, Scott Van Den Berg, CFP®, who primarily assists Gen X and Boomer clients preparing for retirement. What impressed Erika was that Scott didn’t immediately delve into investment discussions. Instead, he and his team took a step back to grasp the broader context—understanding her life situation and how everything interconnected. Erika later expressed that Scott became her advocate, guiding her through property management and collaborating with CPAs and estate attorneys in Oregon.
That positive experience blossomed into a trusted relationship. After over a year of working together on estate strategy and planning, Erika decided to engage Scott’s team for ongoing investment management. Today, they continue to collaborate on various aspects of her financial life, from career changes to retirement planning.
What made the difference? Erika told Scott that she always felt supported, never rushed or pressured. That sense of having someone genuinely looking out for her, without any hidden agenda, is the essence of a successful advisory relationship.
As Scott puts it, “We weren’t there to take over; we were there to guide her. She was the quarterback. We helped her review the plays, weigh the pros and cons, and confidently move forward.”
Insights from These Stories
What resonates in both stories is they emphasize decision-making with the support of someone who is not only knowledgeable but also compassionate and forward-thinking.
Too often, financial advice is reduced to discussions of fees and past performance. What truly matters is the experience after you say “yes”—after you’ve entered into the advisory relationship. Are you given a safe space to voice your most pressing questions? Do you feel empowered to make choices, especially during uncertain times?
If not, it’s okay to ask for more. When you partner with the right advisor, you’ll notice the difference. You’ll feel more in control, confident, and excited about the future.
