Why Advisors Matter Beyond DIY Investing

Your finances have layers—investments, taxes, planning for the future. If you want a second set of eyes, Peter opened up a few spots for a quick, no-obligation call. Grab yours now.

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If you ever hire help, how do you tell whether you're getting a high-quality advisor? Ranie Verby, Plancorp's Director of Practice Management, joins the show to explain what "financial advisor" can really mean, how to spot a true fiduciary at an RIA, and why the best advice shows up when life gets messy, not when markets are calm.

Listen now and learn:

► The quickest screening questions that reveal whether an advisor is transparent, fiduciary, and actually aligned with you

► The firm-structure red flags that signal thin service, weak continuity, and no real succession plan

► Why "owned outcomes" matter more than portfolio picks when you hit a major life event

► How Plancorp uses behavioral finance and AI to improve the client experience without burning out advisors

Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.

(01:30) How to choose a high-quality financial advisor: fiduciary duty and RIA screening

(04:51) Signs of a great advisor: trust, continuity, and why a team matters

(08:26) Behavioral finance in financial planning: tough conversations, estate planning, and family decisions

(13:44) DIY investing vs hiring an advisor: accountability, decision support, and owned outcomes

(16:29) How Plancorp uses AI in financial planning to save advisor time and improve meetings

(21:49) Advisor burnout and capacity: why it affects client experience and continuity

(26:23) Financial advisor red flags and green flags: team size, succession plan, and relationship fit

(29:08) Integrated financial planning under one roof: investing, taxes, and estate coordination

(32:22) For advisors: how to evaluate your firm and build a sustainable advisory career

(36:20) Choosing a financial advisor: fiduciary in writing and meet the full team

(37:08) Where to follow Ranie Verby

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠)

Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment.

The commentary in this "post" (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client.

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