As a financial advisor, people often assume that my answer to the question “should I hire a financial advisor?” is an emphatic “yes.” However, my actual response is more nuanced and stems from my own journey to becoming a financial advisor.

Prior to switching careers, I had a successful tenure as a Senior Vice President at Zions Bank, where I managed a team of 25 finance professionals in various aspects of banking and finance. I made a comfortable income, but I ultimately left because I wanted to find more meaning and significance in my life. While I had many victories at Zions, they often amounted to little more than promotions, pay raises, and benefits for the company’s shareholders. I wanted to find a career where I could make a more tangible difference in people’s lives.

As a financial advisor, my aim is to achieve wins for my clients that result in real benefits for them. Of course, I hope to make money along the way, but I’m committed to providing more value than I charge. That means that if I don’t think I can add value to a client’s situation, I won’t take them on as a client.

Some people are disciplined investors who make good decisions on their own, and they may not benefit significantly from hiring a financial advisor. On the other hand, some people may be neglecting their accounts or taking on risks they’re not aware of, and they could benefit greatly from professional guidance. There are several studies that show the value of having someone actively manage and review your investments.

If you’re unsure whether or not you could benefit from a financial advisor, I encourage you to reach out to me for a no-cost, no-obligation conversation about your financial situation. If we’re not a good fit, that’s okay – at least you’ll have a better understanding of your current financial standing. If we are a good fit, we can begin building a trusting relationship that will guide you throughout your financial journey.