(07-11-2018, 10:30 AM)WRXtranceformed Wrote: I realize opinions are like buttholes, but IMO it's worth doing the research into an advisor before you commit to turning your own financial wrench for your entire life. Don't get me wrong, I have a very active role in our retirement planning (including a hard pass on a recent employee private stock purchase, because the deal was not favorable at all to the buyer. I got free FA advice from the Weber-Wise team on that btw) but it helps having someone who helps you design a plan and execute. "A man without a goal is a ship without a rudder." - Thomas Carlyle
Things like employee stock purchases are worth consulting someone on, sure. Issues like that are always valuable to have someone on retainer but the active management is what I have a problem with.
But long term (10yr) the vanguard 500 has a 10% return -
https://investor.vanguard.com/mutual-fun...ance/vfinx
The robo funds (wealthfront, betterment) are similar in performance. If your FA is selling you the product under the guise that you'll only make 7% on your own, and then taking 1%, that's a bad deal.
Also, be weary of "advice" given lately. The market has been hot for a long time and anyone speculating on the stock market is probably making money... but it isnt because they're smart.