A financial advisor is more than someone who suggests where to invest your money. They serve as a guide, strategist, and partner in navigating the complexities of your financial life. From retirement planning and tax optimization strategies to managing risk and helping to protect your family, an advisor can help you make confident, informed decisions that align with your long-term financial goals.
Looking for a financial advisor?Asking the right questions can make all the difference in finding someone who truly works in your best interest. From understanding what human advisors offer that robo-advisors can’t, to knowing whether they are a fiduciary (and why that’s important), what those credentials mean, how advisors get paid, and how different types of firms — like RIAs, wirehouses, and independent broker-dealers — compare, it pays to be informed. This article breaks it down. |
How a financial advisor works with you
The process often starts with a thorough discussion about your financial goals, lifestyle dreams, family needs, and core values. Whether you aim to retire early, save for a child’s education, launch a business, or travel, a good advisor can create a personalized investment plan to help you achieve those goals by:
- Creating a custom financial plan.
- Reviewing and rebalancing your portfolio as markets or your life changes.
- Helping you stay disciplined when emotions threaten to derail your plan.
- Structuring retirement withdrawals so you’re less likely to outlive your savings.
- Identifying and managing the tax consequences of your investment choices.
Protecting and growing your wealth
A strong financial plan isn’t just about investing. it’s about asset protection and finding opportunities to help grow your wealth efficiently. An advisor can help with strategies such as:
- Tax-loss harvesting to offset gains and potentially lower your tax bill.
- Retirement income planning to maintain your lifestyle over decades.
- Roth IRA conversions for potential tax benefits later in life.
- College savings strategies designed maximize growth potential.
- Charitable giving approaches that may increase your impact and deductions.
Staying on track through life’s changes
Life rarely goes exactly according to plan. Marriage, a growing family, divorce, career transition, or health challenges can all change your financial picture. A financial advisor can adjust your plan as these events unfold, helping you make decisions that support both your current needs and your long-term goals.
Regular check-ins with a financial advisor can help ensure your portfolio stays aligned with your priorities, your risk tolerance, and any changes in tax law or market conditions.
Building a relationship based on trust
A successful relationship with a financial advisor depends on trust. You’re sharing personal details about your income, assets, debts, and future hopes, so you need someone you feel comfortable with. An effective advisor listens, communicates clearly, and keeps your best interests at the center of every recommendation.
Beyond investment guidance, the right advisor can help you gain confidence, reduce stress about money, and focus on the things that matter most — whether that’s family, philanthropy, travel, or personal passions.
What sets Mercer Advisors apart?
With more than 360 advisors nationwide, Mercer Advisors brings together financial planning, investment management, estate strategies, tax professionals, and insurance specialists. All of these services work together to help amplify and simplify your financial life.
We begin with a conversation to learn about your goals, then create a personalized plan to help you reach them. And we don’t stop there. As your life changes, so does your financial picture. That’s why we regularly revisit your plan to make sure it still fits.
Working with the right advisor is more than just good investing. It’s about building a relationship with someone who listens, understands, and puts your needs first. At Mercer Advisors, we’re here to be that partner. Ready to get started? Let’s talk.
Mercer Advisors Inc. is a parent company of Mercer Global Advisors Inc. and is not involved with investment services. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. (“Mercer Advisors”) is registered as an investment advisor with the SEC. The firm only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements.
All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Some of the research and ratings shown in this presentation come from third parties that are not affiliated with Mercer Advisors. The information is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed or warranted by Mercer Advisors. Content, research, tools and stock or option symbols are for educational and illustrative purposes only and do not imply a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell a particular security or to engage in any particular investment strategy. For financial planning advice specific to your circumstances, talk to a qualified professional at Mercer Advisors.
Mercer Advisors is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice to clients. All estate planning document preparation and other legal advice is provided through select third parties unaffiliated to Mercer Advisors.
Tax preparation and tax filing are a separate fee from our investment management and planning services.
Mercer Global Advisors has a related insurance agency. Mercer Advisors Insurance Services, LLC (MAIS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercer Advisors Inc. MAIS provides individual life, disability, long term care coverage, and property and casualty coverage through various insurance companies. For Mercer Global Advisors clients who wish to purchase insurance products, MAIS has entered into a non-exclusive referral agreement with Strategic Partner(s), where the Strategic Partner will provide necessary services relative to the marketing, placement, and servicing of the insurance products, including without limitation preparing and presenting illustrations, supporting the underwriting process, assisting with the completion and execution of applications, delivering policies, and servicing in-force business. MAIS and the Strategic Partner will be listed as either “agents” or “co-agents” on the policies. While Mercer Global Advisors does not receive a referral fee, Strategic Partner receives a percentage of the commission revenue. MAIS and Strategic Partner do have a revenue sharing agreement.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
The CDFA® and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst marks are the property of the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts, which reserve sole rights to their use, and are used by permission.
