Fee-Only Fiduciary Advisor

What does that mean to investors and how does that compare to financial institutions that are not Fiduciary?

Our Fiduciary Commitment

In a complex financial world, clarity and trust are non-negotiable. As a client, you have the right to expect that the advice you receive is based on one thing: what is best for you. At Integrity Investment Advisors, our relationship is built on this principle. We are a fee-only firm, and we proudly serve as your fiduciary.

The Fundamental Difference: Fiduciary vs. Suitability

In the financial world, not all advice is created equal. It is governed by two distinctly different standards of care.

The Fiduciary Standard

A legal requirement to act in the client’s absolute best interest (just like a doctor is sworn to put your health first). This is the highest standard of care, demanding undivided loyalty and transparency. As fiduciaries, we must place your interests ahead of our own, always.

  • How They’re Paid: They are paid a transparent fee directly by you for their professional advice. They do not get paid commissions for selling you products.
  • Their Motivation: Their only goal is to give you the best possible advice for your situation.
  • Who Is in This Group: Fee-Only Advisors and firms like Integrity Investment Advisors.

The Suitability Standard

A lower standard requiring only that a recommendation be “suitable” or “appropriate” for a client. This standard allows for conflicts of interest, such as a broker recommending a product that is appropriate but pays them a higher commission than a potentially better alternative.
We believe your financial security is far too important for the ambiguity of the suitability standard. You deserve an advisor who is unequivocally on your side.

  • How They’re Paid: They are often paid commissions for selling you specific investment or insurance products.
  • The Conflict: A product might be “suitable,” but it might not be the best one for you. They may have a financial incentive to recommend a product that pays them a higher commission.
  • Who Is in This Group: Most Stockbrokers, Insurance Agents, Registered Representatives, Fee- Based Advisors, Fee-Based CFP, Fee-Based Financial Planners.

Fee-based is very different than fee-only, and those terms will help you differentiate between the two categories. When entrusting someone with your financial future, we encourage you to ask one critical question:

“Are you a fiduciary, and will you state that in writing?”

A direct answer is telling. At Integrity Investment Advisors, our answer is an unambiguous “Yes.” It is the cornerstone of who we are and the promise we make to every family we serve.

Our Fiduciary Promise to You

Our commitment to you is clear and documented. We pledge to:

  • Act as your champion, always placing your best interests at the forefront of every decision.
  • Provide advice with the skill, care, and diligence of a trusted professional.
  • Offer full transparency regarding our services, our compensation, and any potential conflicts of interest.
  • Never accept commissions or third-party payments for the recommendations we make. Our fee-only model ensures our advice is objective and free from outside influence.

What the Fiduciary Oath means to you – the Client

  • I shall always act in good faith and with candor.
  • I shall always put the Clients best interest first.
  • I shall be proactive in my disclosure of any conflicts of interest that may impact you.
  • We will provide to each client full and fair disclosure of all important facts, including full transparency of how we are paid by the client.
  • I shall not accept any referral fees or compensation that is contingent upon the purchase or sale of a financial product.

FI • DU • CI • AR • Y \DEFINITION\: A person legally appointed and authorized to hold assets in trust for another person. The fiduciary manages the assets for the benefit of the other person, rather than for his or her own profit. (source: Investopedia.com) \USAGE\: A registered investment advisor, who is held to a “fiduciary standard of care”, looks after the assets of another person on that person’s behalf, is fully transparent, and required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

Who is a Fiduciary?

We will give you a Free Second Opinion to see where the red flags may be in your portfolio and if your current portfolio is aligned with your goals. Book HERE. Fiduciary responsibility does not arise only in the financial services industry. Professionals in other fields are also legally required to work in your best interest.  Watch this shocking PBS video –

Why You Need a Fee-Only Fiduciary Advisor!

 

Experience the Fiduciary Difference

Working with a fiduciary provides more than just financial advice. When done properly, it provides clarity and confidence. It allows you to move forward knowing you have a dedicated partner committed to helping you achieve your most important goals. We want you to experience this difference firsthand.

Fee-Only Compensation

This model minimizes conflicts of interest. A Fee-Only financial advisor charges clients directly for his or her advice and/or ongoing management. No other financial incentive is provided, directly or indirectly, by any other institution. Fee-Only financial advisors do not sell anything.  They add value with their Philosophy, Strategy, Process, Transparency and Ongoing Coaching.  We strongly encourage you to work with a fee-only Advisor.

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You have successfully subscribed. Thank you! Here are some free resources - Video - A note from your future self - https://youtu.be/HKMYTLyhOGU 5 Free Checklists That May Save You Thousands – Really! Countless people need help in these areas. Checklists include: end of year tax planning, funding a child's college education, caring for aging parents, items to consider before you retire, critical documents to keep on file. Please like & share with family & friends. You can download the PDFs for free. https://www.integrityia.com/5-free-checklists-that-may-save-you-thousands-really/

Todd Moerman - Integrity Investment Advisors

Subscribe To OurBlog!We help Clients retire without getting killed in taxes!

Sign up for our blog to get timely and valuable information about the markets. Free checklists!  Your retirement will thank you!

You have successfully subscribed. Thank you! Here are some free resources - Video - A note from your future self - https://youtu.be/HKMYTLyhOGU 5 Free Checklists That May Save You Thousands – Really! Countless people need help in these areas. Checklists include: end of year tax planning, funding a child's college education, caring for aging parents, items to consider before you retire, critical documents to keep on file. Please like & share with family & friends. You can download the PDFs for free. https://www.integrityia.com/5-free-checklists-that-may-save-you-thousands-really/

Todd Moerman - Integrity Investment Advisors

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