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When you hire a financial advisor, you’re placing a great deal of trust in them — to help you make the right decisions, protect your future, and act in your best interest. That’s why understanding what it means to be a fiduciary is so important.

It’s one of the most misunderstood — but most critical — distinctions in the financial industry.

Let’s break it down in plain language.

Fiduciary: A Legal Duty to Put You First

A fiduciary is someone who is legally and ethically required to act in the best interests of their client — not themselves, their company, or any third party.

When an advisor is a fiduciary, they are obligated to:

• Put your needs above their own
• Avoid conflicts of interest (and disclose any that exist)
• Provide recommendations that are best for you — not just “good enough”

This standard applies not just to investments, but to every part of your financial life — from retirement planning and tax strategy to estate planning and insurance decisions.

Non-Fiduciary = The “Suitability” Standard

Here’s the part many people don’t realize: Not all financial professionals are fiduciaries.

In fact, many operate under what’s called the suitability standard, which only requires that a recommendation is “suitable” for your situation — not necessarily the best option available.

That leaves room for:

• Recommending higher-cost products that pay higher commissions
• Steering you toward solutions that benefit them more than you
• Prioritizing sales quotas over long-term results

They may be doing nothing illegal — but they’re not held to the same duty of care.

Real-World Examples: Why It Matters

Imagine this scenario:

You’re retiring soon and want help rolling over your 401(k). A fiduciary advisor would evaluate all your options and recommend the one that best fits your retirement income goals, risk tolerance, and tax situation.

But an advisor who isn’t a fiduciary? They might steer you into a high-fee annuity or proprietary fund that earns them a commission — even if it isn’t the best long-term choice for you.

It’s not just about ethics — it’s about outcomes. Over time, these decisions can mean thousands of dollars in unnecessary fees, taxes, or missed growth.

So How Do You Know If an Advisor Is a Fiduciary

Here are a few ways to find out:

• Ask directly: “Are you a fiduciary at all times?” (Some advisors are only fiduciaries part of the time — a red flag.)
• Check their credentials: CFP®, CFA®, and CIMA® professionals are often held to fiduciary standards.
• Look at their compensation model: Fee-based advisors are typically fiduciaries. Commission-based advisors are usually not.
• Review their ADV brochure: Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) file this with the SEC and must act as fiduciaries.

At Insight Capital, Fiduciary Isn’t Just a Buzzword – It’s Our Standard

At Insight Capital Management, we operate as fiduciaries — always.

That means every recommendation we give is built around what’s best for you – not what’s best for us. It’s a core part of our process, our planning philosophy, and the trust our clients place in us.

We believe you deserve nothing less.

Choosing a financial advisor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your financial future.

But who can you really trust with your money?

Not all financial advisors bring the same level of training and experience — and that’s okay. What matters is knowing how to spot the ones who are truly qualified to guide you through life’s biggest financial decisions. The best advisors combine real education, hands-on experience, and a commitment to putting your interests first — and that’s exactly what you deserve.

In this post, we’ll help you cut through the noise. You’ll learn why education and experience matter, what red flags to watch for, and how to choose a financial advisor who’s actually qualified to help you build a more secure future.

Three Credentials That Truly Matter – And What They Say About an Advisor

You’ve probably seen an alphabet soup of titles and certifications behind the names of financial advisors.

While many of them are little more than resume padding, there are three that stand out — credentials that represent real, rigorous training and a serious commitment to the profession.

An advisor who holds one of these credentials is demonstrating a serious level of expertise.
An advisor who holds two or more is in rare company — and stands out immediately in a crowded industry.

You’ll also see a variety of lesser-known titles and credentials. But not all designations carry the same weight. Most can be earned with a few hours of coursework and a short exam. While they may offer helpful training, they don’t reflect the same depth of knowledge or standard of ethics as the CFP®, CIMA®, or CFA®.

Bottom line: If you’re evaluating advisors, look for one or more of the “Big Three” — CFP®, CIMA®, or CFA®. These credentials aren’t easy to earn, and they speak volumes about an advisor’s technical ability, commitment, and professionalism.

Experience Brings Perspective Even AI Can’t Provide

Technical knowledge is essential, but experience adds something even more valuable: context and judgment.

An experienced advisor has seen:

That kind of perspective lets an advisor connect the dots in a way textbooks can’t. They know what works — not just in theory, but in the real world.

It’s also true that experience grows with the complexity of the portfolios under management. Advisors who work with higher-net-worth clients often encounter more advanced strategies — like tax-efficient withdrawals, multi-generational estate planning, concentrated stock positions, and custom investment allocations. That kind of hands-on exposure sharpens their ability to solve complex problems, think strategically, and apply those same sophisticated strategies to benefit all of their clients – regardless of net worth.

The Stakes Are Too High to Wing It

You only get one shot at retirement. One chance to invest wisely. One opportunity to pass on wealth to the next generation. That’s why the person you trust to guide you matters so much.

The right advisor will:

5 Smart Questions to Ask Any Financial Advisor

Before choosing an advisor, ask:

A good advisor will welcome these questions — and answer them clearly.

Why It Matters to Us

At Insight Capital Management, we believe education and experience are just the starting point. What matters most is how we use them — to listen, to plan carefully, and to help our clients make better decisions at every stage of life.

Our founder and lead advisor, Dustin Blodgett, holds both the CFP® and CIMA® designations — two of the most respected and rigorous credentials in the financial industry. Before Insight Capital, Dustin spent years advising ultra high-net-worth clients with portfolios exceeding $300 million, giving him firsthand experience with complex wealth strategies that few advisors ever encounter.

That level of experience doesn’t just benefit large portfolios — it shapes how we think about planning, risk, and opportunity for every client we serve. We apply the same disciplined, thoughtful approach to help individuals and families make smart, informed decisions at every stage of life.

We don’t just give advice — we build lasting relationships, grounded in trust, transparency, and a deep understanding of what matters most to you.

👉 Schedule your free consultation today.