When people think about financial advisors, they often picture a big firm with a big name, maybe even a fancy office with glass walls and high-rise views. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s not the only way financial advice can be delivered. In fact, more and more advisors—including myself—have chosen the independent route.

So what does that mean, and why does it matter for you as a client? In short, being independent allows me to put your interests first, without being tied to the products or quotas of a large institution. It creates more flexibility, more transparency, and, in my opinion, a much deeper relationship between advisor and client.

What It Means to Be Independent

At its core, independence is about freedom of choice. Instead of being told what investment products to sell or what strategies to push, I have the ability to design a plan that’s completely tailored to each client. That might mean choosing from a wide range of investment options, or building a financial plan that reflects not just numbers on a spreadsheet, but your actual life goals.

Think of it like this: if you walk into a restaurant that only serves one dish, that’s all you can order—even if it doesn’t really fit your tastes. But if you go to a restaurant with a full menu, you can choose something that matches exactly what you’re looking for. Independence is that full menu.

Why Trust Is the Foundation

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over sixteen years as a financial advisor is that money is personal. Clients aren’t just handing me numbers—they’re handing me their life savings, their dreams for retirement, their hopes of sending kids to college, and their plans to leave a legacy for their families. That’s a big responsibility, and trust has to be at the center of it.

Trust doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built slowly, through honest conversations, consistency, and showing up when times are tough. Markets go up and down, life circumstances change, but when clients know their advisor is putting them first, it creates peace of mind that’s worth more than any single investment return.

Tailored Strategies for Real Life

No two clients are the same. Some want to retire early and travel. Others want to work longer but make sure their kids are taken care of. Some families want to focus on growth; others want to protect what they’ve already built.

That’s why tailored strategies matter. An independent advisor isn’t limited to a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, I can look at each client’s unique situation—income, family structure, goals, values—and build something that works for them.

For example, I’ve worked with young families who want to balance saving for retirement with covering the cost of raising kids. I’ve worked with retirees who are less concerned about growth and more concerned about making their money last through their lifetime. Each plan looks different, and that’s the way it should be.

The Advantage of Independence in a Changing Market

The financial world changes constantly. Interest rates rise and fall, tax laws shift, markets react to global events. Being independent means I can pivot strategies quickly and find the best solutions without being locked into a narrow set of tools.

Clients appreciate that flexibility. If a certain fund or approach isn’t working, we can adjust. If new opportunities open up, we can explore them. That freedom allows me to stay focused on what’s best for the client, rather than what’s best for a company’s bottom line.

Building Relationships Beyond the Numbers

Another part of being independent that I love is the ability to spend more time with clients. I’m not caught up in meeting corporate quotas or trying to hit sales goals. Instead, my focus is on building real relationships.

Some of my best client conversations don’t even start with money. They start with family updates, career changes, or even weekend fishing stories. Why? Because financial planning is about life. Understanding the people behind the portfolios makes me a better advisor and helps clients feel truly heard.

What Clients Should Look For

If you’re thinking about working with an advisor—independent or otherwise—here are a few things I’d encourage you to look for:

• Transparency – You should know how your advisor is compensated and feel confident there aren’t hidden agendas.
  
• Alignment – Your advisor should take the time to understand your goals and values, not just your account balance.
  
• Accessibility – You should feel comfortable calling or meeting with your advisor when questions come up.
  
• Trustworthiness – Look for consistency, honesty, and a willingness to admit when they don’t have all the answers.
  

Choosing a financial advisor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your financial future. It’s not just about picking investments—it’s about choosing a partner who will walk with you through life’s ups and downs.

For me, being an independent advisor is the best way to serve clients with integrity, flexibility, and care. It allows me to focus on what matters most: building trust and crafting strategies that are as unique as the families I work with.

At the end of the day, financial advice isn’t about the advisor—it’s about you. My job is to listen, guide, and help create a plan that gives you confidence and peace of mind, no matter what the markets or life may bring.