- Look beyond the “fiduciary” label to find experienced, independent professionals who genuinely prioritize your interests.
- Pick a firm with a clear investment strategy that aligns with your personal financial goals.
- Great advisors, like those at WealthArch, go beyond just portfolio management. They cover taxes, retirement, and your overall life planning.
- Choose a responsive team that actively involves you and keeps you informed at all times.
When you’re looking for a service—whether it’s a doctor, contractor, or investment advisor—you probably rely on word of mouth, Google searches, or Yelp reviews. More often than not, the firms you hear about first are the ones with the biggest marketing budgets, like national banks or flashy brokerages and institutions that sound impressive.
But selecting a financial advisor really comes down to trust and expertise. Can you trust this firm with your money? Better yet, can you trust them with your life’s savings?
The truth is, most people don’t know what to look for when choosing a wealth manager because finance is treated like a cryptic, expert-only world.
At WealthArch Investment Services, we believe selecting the right financial advisor should come down to transparency, alignment, and clear results. That’s why we’ve created this guide, breaking down how to choose a wealth manager and what makes a firm like ours worthy of your trust for your future.
1. They Should be Qualified, Experienced, and Independent Fiduciaries
Financial advisors fall under two standards: the fiduciary standard and the suitability standard.
An advisor operating under the suitability standard is only required to recommend options that fit a client’s needs, even if they’re not the absolute best choice. On the other hand, a fiduciary is legally obligated to put their clients’ best interests before their own.
The latter is obviously the more trustworthy. However, many people don’t realize that one doesn’t require a license to call themself a fiduciary. Plus, some firms that do call themselves fiduciaries still push products that benefit their bottom line more than their clients’.
That’s why it’s critical to dig deeper and investigate the real cost when you’re selecting a financial advisor. Look for fee-only advisors—these are professionals who are compensated only by you, not by commissions or corporate kickbacks. While you’re at it, thoroughly vet their experience and online reputation. During your introductory meetings, ask yourself, “Are they just trying to sell me or ensuring I have all the information I need, both pros and cons, to make a good decision?”
Expertise and Integrity
At WealthArch, your portfolio is managed by fiduciaries who are Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholders, the gold standard in investment expertise. And we don’t just say we’re fiduciaries, we guarantee it. In fact, we’re one of the few firms to back that standard with a money-back promise.
We’re also an independent firm, meaning we aren’t tied to Wall Street banks, insurance companies, or anyone pushing overpriced products like annuities or structured notes. Your interests will always come first at our firm.
2. Understand Their Investment Philosophy
When selecting a financial advisor, don’t just ask what they invest in; ask why. Every firm has a different approach, so the right fit depends on your personal financial goals, your values, and how much risk you’re comfortable with.
For example, if you’re younger, you might have a higher risk appetite and feel comfortable with an investment strategy that aims for aggressive growth. But if you prefer a disciplined, risk-aware investment approach with a clear long-term strategy, WealthArch is the firm for you.
Our philosophy is rooted in value investing– the same principles that have guided Warren Buffett for decades. Combined with diligent research, we focus on long-term opportunities with real value, building portfolios with good growth potential that are also strong enough to withstand market turbulence. Our number one rule is simple: Don’t lose money.
Plus, we put our money where our mouth is: our firm invests in the exact same portfolio as our clients. With our success tied directly to yours, you can trust that you’re selecting a financial advisor who will manage your money like it’s their own.
3. Look for Real Transparency
Transparency is another thing that should be high on your list when you’re thinking about how to choose a wealth manager. A quarterly statement full of numbers and jargon isn’t enough. As a client, you should expect information and clarity on your investments.
Unfortunately, many investors are left in the dark by their advisors, unsure why trades were made or how current events affect their portfolio.
Transparency is built into the client experience at WealthArch. All our clients receive timely investment updates by email, explaining every move we make and the reasons behind it. We also share post-earnings commentary and macroeconomic insights so you’re never left guessing about your financial earnings.
4. Go Beyond the Basics
When selecting a financial advisor, always remember the broader picture. As much as we wish we could put everything in perfect silos, your financial picture is intertwined with everything else in your life. That includes your family, business, taxes, and your future.
With this in mind, you need a firm that offers more than just portfolio management. Look for tax-aware investing, retirement planning, emergency fund planning, and more. These areas matter just as much as your asset allocation.
We at WealthArch don’t believe in managing portfolios in isolation. We offer comprehensive guidance that includes everything from contingency planning to saving for your child’s education. This ensures you’re prepared for anything, not just market shifts. Plus, our tax planning strategies help you grow your wealth without triggering unnecessary liabilities.
We also coordinate with your CPA, estate attorney, or business manager to make sure your financial plan works in real life, providing guidance even on assets we don’t directly manage, like your 401(k).
This kind of proactive, full-picture support makes all the difference when selecting a financial advisor.
5. Prioritize Access and Responsiveness
Last but not least, knowing how to choose a wealth manager means looking for an ongoing relationship that can adapt as your life and goals change.
You deserve access to a team that understands your vision and keeps you actively involved. Ask how often you’ll meet. Will you have to go through gatekeepers, or can you call your advisor directly when a big decision is on the table?
For example, all of WealthArch’s clients get unlimited meetings, direct access to their advisor, and a team that’s always ready to talk strategy. We discuss and make plans together, whether it’s for monthly cash flow or big life transitions. We believe involving you is key to making smart, timely decisions with your money.
The Right Advisor Should Feel Like a Partner
Beyond having someone to manage your money, selecting a financial advisor is about building a relationship with someone you trust, who understands your values and long-term vision.
The WealthArch approach is just that. It’s personal, proactive, and based on trust, transparency, and disciplined strategy.
If you’ve been wondering how to choose a wealth manager who truly acts in your best interest, we’re happy to show you what that looks like. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more.
