Understanding the True Cost of Financial Advice: Fiduciary vs. Commission-Based Advisors

19/08/2025 21 min
Understanding the True Cost of Financial Advice: Fiduciary vs. Commission-Based Advisors

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Episode Synopsis

In this episode of Ask The Experts with Wisconsin Capital Management, Shawn is joined by Tom and Nate to break down the often confusing world of financial advisors and investment strategies. They explore key factors that influence investment success—like asset allocation, compounding, time, and risk vs. return—and emphasize the importance of evaluating whether your investments are delivering expected returns.The conversation dives into the differences between commission-based and fee-based advisors, highlighting how compensation structures can impact your overall investment performance. They discuss fiduciary duty, SEC regulations, and the importance of transparency in advisor-client relationships.Listeners will learn:How to identify if your advisor is a fiduciaryWhat internal fees and expense ratios mean for your portfolioThe pros and cons of annuities, mutual funds, and ETFsWhy understanding your total cost of advice is critical to achieving your financial goalsWhether you're working with a financial planner, stock broker, or insurance agent, this episode will help you ask the right questions and make informed decisions about your financial future.