That jarred me slightly, thinking “doesn’t everybody know that?”   Of course, I’m used to the world of Certified Financial Planner (R) professionals — not stockbrokers.   In addition to our legal obligations to the client as a fiduciary , we are also trained in estate planning, retirement planning, education planning, and tax planning.  We are uniquely qualified to be a “financial coach” to our clients.  A stockbroker is a mere investment salesman.

I have no idea how many times I’ve given advice on buying new cars or selling old homes.  Estate planning should be a continuous process, which means a continuous flow of advice.  I’ve helped clients negotiate severance payments, as well as making gifts to children and grandchildren.  A growing area, unfortunately, is advising the children of clients on their education loans.  This year, I even advised a client on funding a university professorship.  That’s what you call “financial coaching,” not merely selling investments.

Sorry about you stockbrokers out there!  Maybe, I should be more careful in the classes I attend?