Why Independent?
As independent advisors, we work directly for our clients and thus are able to consistently provide conflict-free and objective advice that is in our clients’ best interest.
Independent advisors don’t represent brokerage companies, banks, insurance companies, or other financial corporations or institutions, and this allows independent advisors to put clients’ interests first instead of being an afterthought. When an advisor represents a larger institution, there’s often pressure for the advisor to operate in a way that maximizes company profits to appease public shareholders, a board of directors, and company leadership. This can lead to advice that isn’t conflict free and not in your best interest.
All the advisors in the Christian Financial Advisors Network either work for or run independent firms.
Benefits of working with an independent advisor
Client focused, not corporate focused
As independent financial advisors, we serve and work solely for our clients rather than a corporation. Our loyalty and fiduciary duty is to our clients and our clients only.
Because we don’t represent anyone but our clients, we are free from the pressures and tension to put someone else’s interests before our clients’.
Access to a wide range of solutions
Since we’re not affiliated with corporate entities, independent financial advisors are not limited by a specific list of investments or insurance products. Large corporate entities tend to limit available solutions because they maintain their own list of expensive company-branded or proprietary products.
Members of Christian Financial Advisors Network are free to recommend a wide range of investment solutions since we’re independent advisors.
Dedicated service with less turnover
Several large financial companies frequently rotate advisors due to employee retention issues.
Working with an independent advisor means that you’ll most likely get a more consistent experience because you’ll be working directly with the same advisor (and team). This is a win-win because a deeper level of trust leads to a deeper advisory relationship, which leads to a better client experience.
Creativity & flexibility
Financial advisors associated with large corporate firms must work within the confines of firm-approved technology, systems and processes. This is because the company has to ensure that:
all of their advisors are acting compliantly
the processes could generally be applied to everyone
everything works together “nicely”
Unfortunately, this often leads to a sub-par client experience and a less customized solution.
Smaller independent advisory firms have to ability to be more creative and flexible in how they serve clients. Because most independent advisors tend to have a “niche”, or a clearly defined ideal client, they’re able to create their entire business around how to provide world class service to that niche. Technology, processes, meetings, communication, and financial planning will be tailored to your specific situation. Not only that, but independent advisors are able to communicate, implement, and adapt quicker because of fewer barriers and resistances.
Long-term relationships
As independent advisors, we (and our small teams) are the ones implementing all client requests and recommendations … not distant and corporate service teams. Because of this, advisors at Christian Financial Advisors Network naturally develop deeper long-term relationships with our clients. This allows us to gain a clearer understanding of your unique goals and the implications on your stewardship journey.