If you’ve ever searched for financial advice, you’ve probably noticed that not all “financial advisors” are the same. Some sell products, some earn commissions, and some are legally required to put your interests first—while others aren’t. Knowing the difference is critical when choosing who to trust with your money. In this article, we’ll break down three important terms you’ll often hear: fee-only advisor, fiduciary, and independent advisor.
A fee-only financial advisor is compensated directly by their clients—never by commissions or product sales. This means we are legally prohibited from selling investment products or insurance policies for commission. Instead, we are paid through either:
• A percentage of assets under management, or
• An agreed upon flat or hourly fee
If a client needs an insurance policy, for example, we connect them with an independent insurance agent, but we receive no compensation or kickback for that referral. This structure helps ensure advice remains objective and aligned with your goals.
A fiduciary is legally obligated to act in their clients’ best interests at all times. As fiduciary advisors, we don’t just follow this standard because the law requires it—we believe it’s the only ethical way to serve clients. Unfortunately, not all advisors are fiduciaries, which means they may recommend products that pay them more rather than what’s best for you.
At Integra Wealth, we proudly uphold the fiduciary standard in every client relationship.
Being independent means we are not tied to a large corporation, bank, or insurance company. Instead of being limited to a set list of products or funds, we have the freedom to recommend investments from across the marketplace. For example, we typically use low-cost ETFs and mutual funds, but we’re not restricted by what a parent company tells us to offer. Independence allows us to keep our recommendations focused squarely on what’s best for you—not what benefits a larger institution.
Why This Matters for You
Choosing an advisor is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. Working with an independent, fee-only fiduciary ensures that your financial plan is built around your best interests—not commissions, quotas, or corporate sales goals.
At Integra Wealth, we combine independence, transparency, and a fiduciary commitment to help you make confident financial decisions. If you’re looking for objective guidance that puts you first, let’s start a conversation.
Please reach out to us if you are looking for a fee-only advisor in Cary, NC or if you're looking for a fee-only advisor in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
If you’ve ever searched for financial advice, you’ve probably noticed that not all “financial advisors” are the same. Some sell products, some earn commissions, and some are legally required to put your interests first—while others aren’t. In this article, we’ll break down threeimportant terms you’ll often hear: fee-only advisor, fiduciary, and independent advisor.
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