Four characteristics of a trusted financial partner

Don Garton |
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Recently, a few new terms have entered our lexicon: “fake news” and “alternative facts.
 
I don’t know about you, but I find that unsettling. The internet, a 24-hour news cycle, and the rise of citizen “journalists” on social media should give us all ​pause before we accept what we see and hear as unassailable truth.

We can’t spend all our time fact-checking, however. We’d never get anything else done, would we? At some point, we must select a source to trust and then act accordingly.

Trust is earned and is built over time. Perhaps your family has had the same doctor or attorney for many years. If that is indeed the case, it’s likely that you trust him or her more now than you did the day you were introduced. A relationship develops one positive interaction at a time.

There are a few principles I strive to practice at Advantage Investment Management that I think set us apart and have helped us be successful for our clients for more than 25 years.

We try to do more listening than talking. I’ll be the first to admit that this isn’t always easy for those of us who love what we do and also possess the gift for gab, but there’s no substitute for getting to know our clients. It’s the only way to get those hopes and dreams into the open so they can be translated into solid, attainable goals.

What we promise is a partnership. If you are just beginning the search for a financial consultant, don’t be misled by

so-called “experts” who say they can guarantee big returns. This is akin to a doctor promising that, if you become his patient, you’ll never get sick again. What we promise is to be an active, educated partner. We provide informed insight and the tools you need to make decisions that will help you reach your financial goals.

We don’t “sell.” We work for you. Reputable financial professionals will never pressure you to choose a specific type of investment or purchase a certain stock. Our success is measured by the financial goals we help you meet. Your success is our success.

We are tested and transparent. Credentials are more than just a collection of alphabet soup at the end of a name or title. It means we are meeting or exceeding standards set by leaders in our industry. I invite you to review our designations and affiliations page on our website to learn more about our expertise.

The best way to find out how we can help you is to make an appointment for a free consultation. There are no obligations or strings attached. Whether you are just getting started in retirement planning, are a business owner wondering if now is the time to expand, or you simply have questions about investing, give us a call at 502-212-3000 and we can help.