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What is a fiduciary financial advisor?

A fiduciary financial advisor is legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest at all times, placing your needs ahead of their own compensation. Fee-only fiduciaries are paid solely by their clients, with no commissions or product sales, which removes common conflicts of interest.

Why it matters more than it sounds

Here's the part most people miss: not every financial advisor is a fiduciary. Many operate under a lower bar called the suitability standard: a recommendation only has to be “suitable” for you, not best for you. That leaves room to recommend the product that pays the advisor more, as long as it roughly fits your situation. A fiduciary doesn't get that room.

How to tell if an advisor is one

Ask three questions. Are you a fiduciary 100% of the time, not just on some accounts? Are you fee-only, so no commissions are involved? Will you put both answers in writing? An advisor who hesitates on any of those has answered the question. You can also read any firm's Form ADV, the disclosure document every registered investment adviser files with the SEC or their state regulator. It's dry, but it's honest.

Fiduciary vs. suitability, in plain terms

Suitability asks, “Is this okay for you?” Fiduciary duty asks, “Is this the best thing we can do for you?” Same product shelf, very different question, and a very different foundation for a decades-long relationship with the person advising your money.

How this works at Hunt Wealth

Hunt Wealth Planning is an independent RIA, which means we act as a fiduciary at all times, not just when it's convenient. We're also fee-only: no commissions, no product sales, no kickbacks. The only person who pays us is you, which keeps our advice pointed in exactly one direction. Happy to put that in writing, too.

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Why it matters more than it sounds

How to tell if an advisor is one