A fiduciary, independent
How BW Wealth is set up
A suitability standard
Alternative
Obligation to you
The legal standard the advice is held to
Legally obligated to act solely in the client's best interest.
A recommendation must be suitable. It need not be the best one available.
Conflicts of interest
What happens when incentives disagree with you
Fully disclosed, and managed in the client's favour.
Disclosed to varying degrees.
The product shelf
What can actually be recommended
Over one thousand selling agreements. LPL holds no proprietary funds.
Depends entirely on the firm.
Who influences what you own
Whose judgement is in the portfolio
The advisor decides. LPL does not influence what you own.
The advisor decides, within whatever the firm puts on the shelf.
Tax strategy
Whether it is part of the plan or someone else's job
Built in, by a Tax Planning Certified Professional.
Usually referred out to someone who never sees the portfolio.
Estate documents
Whether they stay aligned with the money
Facilitated through Wealth.com and kept aligned as life changes.
Referred to an attorney, and rarely revisited after signing.