What Is a Fiduciary and Does It Matter?

So let’s talk about this word “fiduciary,” because it matters more than most people realize. 

A fiduciary is a financial professional who is legally required to put your best interest first. Not occasionally. Not when it lines up with their compensation. Always. Their guidance has to serve you above anything else. 

And here’s the part that still surprises people. 
Not every advisor is held to that standard. Which sounds a little crazy, right? You’d think acting in a client’s best interest would be the baseline expectation in this profession. It feels like common sense. But in much of the financial world, it’s not actually the law. 

Some advisors only have to meet something called the “suitability” standard. Meaning the advice just has to be okay. Not optimal. Not aligned with your long-term purpose. Just… suitable. There’s a big gap between “good enough” and “what’s best for you.” 

So does a fiduciary matter? Absolutely. 

When you’re trusting someone with your money, your goals, and your future, you deserve to know their recommendations aren’t influenced by anything other than what genuinely helps you move forward.