The Hidden Cost of Misaligned Advice

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The Hidden Cost of Misaligned Advice

introduction:

 Behind most financial “advice” is an incentive. Commission-driven compensation models reward advisors for selling products, not for producing outcomes. Many Americans assume their advisor has a legal duty to act in their best interest. In many cases, they don’t.

Understanding Incentives
Here’s how misaligned advice shows up:

• A life insurance agent pushing permanent coverage that may not be needed
  
  

• An investment rep promoting high-fee mutual funds or annuities
  
  

• A banker offering “free” advice that’s tied to product sales
  
  

These recommendations may sound personalized—but they’re built to serve the advisor, not you.

The Hidden Costs

• Fees: Higher internal costs eat into investment returns
  
  

• Taxes: Poor product design often triggers avoidable tax consequences
  
  

• Confusion: Multiple advisors create conflicting strategies
  
  

• Risk: Uncoordinated actions can increase risk exposure
  
  

Our Aligned Model
At Aligned Wealth Solutions, we operate as fiduciaries. That means:

• No commissions. Ever.
  
  

• Transparent flat fees or AUM-based advisory fees
  
  

• Strategy-first, product-neutral advice
  
  

How It Benefits You

• More clarity and confidence
  
  

• Lower long-term costs
  
  

• Unified planning across taxes, investments, and risk
  
  

Conclusion
When advice is misaligned, even good intentions can produce bad outcomes. Real planning starts with incentives that serve you, not the system.