What Is a Fiduciary—and Why Should You Care?

"I see a lot of commercials where financial advisors say they're fiduciaries. I’ve also had friends tell me, 'Make sure your advisor is a fiduciary.' But... what exactly is a fiduciary? And why is that so important?"

Answer: That’s a great question and honestly, it’s one I hear more and more, especially over the last five years. The short answer is yes, I am a fiduciary. More specifically, I’m an Accredited Investment Fiduciary®, or AIF®.

So let’s take a closer look at what that actually means. In the financial world, a fiduciary is someone who’s legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest, not theirs. It means putting your needs first, even if it’s not the most profitable path for the advisor.

This fiduciary standard is all about transparency, honesty, and trust. It's the idea that when you sit down with someone to talk about your money, your retirement, and your goals, they should treat that responsibility with care, not as a sales opportunity.

Unfortunately, in our industry, there’s a bit of alphabet soup; lots of credentials, designations, and certifications. And while some of them are meaningful, they don’t always guarantee that someone has your best interests at heart. That’s why I’ve always said: someone’s values will show up in how they treat you often well before the letters behind their name do.

Now, don’t get me wrong, credentials matter. They show commitment and education. But it’s just as important to pay attention to how an advisor communicates with you. Are they transparent? Do they really listen? Do they explain things clearly? Because trust is more than a title.

If you're unsure about an advisor’s background, there are tools available to help. One of the most well-known is BrokerCheck. You can look up any advisor to see if they’ve had complaints, disciplinary actions, or just to learn more about their professional history.

At the end of the day, being a fiduciary is about doing right by you. If you ever want to talk through what that looks like in your own financial situation, I’m here to help.