Thu Jul 03 2025, by Tyler Gardner

Financial AdvisorsWealth ManagementInvestment StrategyFinancial IndependencePersonal Finance

3 Signs It Might Be Time to Break Up with Your Financial Advisor

I'm Tyler, a former financial advisor and portfolio manager. If any of this is helpful, sign up for my free newsletter by clicking the link in my bio.

1. Paying 1% Without Clarity

If you're paying 1% a year and can't really explain what you're getting, it's a red flag. If your advisor's value boils down to a quarterly phone call asking about your kid's soccer game—even though your kids play tennis—then you're likely overpaying.

2. Discovering Low-Cost Alternatives

Because you watch this channel, you've discovered low-cost index funds and flat-fee planning. You realize you've been paying someone 1% for years to do what a target date retirement fund can achieve for about 1/20th of the price.

3. Confusion Over Annuities

If they sold you an annuity that you don't understand—or worse, an annuity that they don't understand—then it's time for a breakup text with no follow-up. Just ghost that, and do it now. You don't owe them anything; you’ve already paid them enough.

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