Blog Posts Filed Under financial-advisor-fees
Breaking Up with Your 1% Advisor: A Step-by-Step Guide
By Beth Stringer
This practical guide walks sophisticated investors through the decision of whether to ditch their percentage-based financial advisor in favor of a flat-fee structure that could save serious money over time. It breaks down a systematic approach for evaluating your current advisor's actual value (beyond just investment management), figuring out what services you really need, finding and vetting quality flat-fee alternatives, and making the switch without disrupting your financial plan. While the guide clearly favors flat-fee arrangements for high-net-worth investors who've outgrown basic hand-holding, it's refreshingly honest about situations where that traditional percentage fee might still make sense—like when your advisor is genuinely functioning as your outsourced CFO or consistently saving you from costly emotional investing mistakes.
War, Market Volatility, and Your Portfolio: Historical Perspective
By Beth Stringer
"War, Market Volatility, and Your Portfolio: Historical Perspective" provides high-income investors with data-driven analysis of how geopolitical conflicts actually impact financial markets. Drawing on research from BlackRock, J.P. Morgan, and the NBER, this guide reveals that markets are more resilient to geopolitical shocks than expected—with conflicts typically causing temporary volatility lasting around 20 days. The article examines historical performance from World War I to 9/11, explains why U.S. stock volatility is 33% lower during wartime, and provides practical portfolio strategies for managing geopolitical risk. Designed for investors with $250k+ portfolios, it includes actionable allocation frameworks, tactical hedging approaches, and explores how advisor fee structures impact decisions during volatile periods.
The Hidden Costs of 'Free' Financial Seminars
By Beth Stringer
Uncover the hidden dangers of "free" financial seminars that target affluent professionals with complimentary meals and promises of guaranteed returns. This guide exposes the psychology behind these sales traps, reveals red flags like artificial urgency and fake credentials, and explains how seemingly educational workshops can cost tens of thousands through unsuitable high-commission products. Learn to distinguish legitimate financial advice from predatory marketing tactics and discover why that "free" steak dinner might be the most expensive meal you'll ever eat.