If you’ve known me for a while, you know I’ve spent almost three decades helping people get financing for their homes. If you’ve been through it, you know it feels like you turn over a mountain of paperwork. That means I’m going through a lot of your personal information. It gets real, fast. In many cases, I’ve seen a deeper level of financial detail than some people share with their own wealth advisor. That doesn’t mean advisors aren’t doing deep work too—but in a mortgage transaction, the intimacy is immediate and often unfiltered.
That perspective stuck with me. Because over time, you notice patterns. You see where people are strong, where they’re exposed, and how much of their plan is based on instincts or borrowed advice from a friend, an article, or something their parents once did.
Now, I’m stepping into a different role—supporting an experienced investment advisory team in providing at a wealth advisory firm I’ve trusted personally for over 12 years: Green Ridge Wealth Planning. While I’m not a licensed advisor, What has become abundantly clear is that too many people are trying to do this alone. Some because they want control. Others because they think they can’t access the kind of guidance they need. And that’s where I get labeled a “bleeding heart”—because I believe people deserve help even if they don’t yet check all the traditional boxes.
Let me stop here and call out a word you’re going to hear a few times in this blog: fiduciary. It’s a big word with big weight. And if you’ve never taken a moment to really understand what it means, now’s the time—because this one word could be the difference between someone managing your money for you… or managing it for themself.
A fiduciary is someone who’s legally obligated to act in your best interest—always. No commissions. No product pushing. Just your goals, first and foremost.
That’s the approach at Green Ridge Wealth Planning. Once you see the way they operate—the mindset, the values, the commitment to doing what’s right—it shifts how you think about money, advice, and who you invite into those conversations.
Trust, Not Charts: What Keeps People Coming Back
One of the most eye-opening parts of my role inside the wealth advisory space is talking to people who are actively looking for help. These are folks who are either working with an advisor now and questioning it or are finally ready to hire someone and want to get it right. And the conversations I’ve been having lately? They line up almost perfectly with what Morningstar’s recent behavioral research laid out:
- People don’t stay with their advisor because of flashy returns or slick portfolios. They stay because of how the relationship feels;
- They don’t want to manage money on their own;
- They trust the advice they’re getting; and
- They need a sounding board when emotions start to take over.
(Morningstar Behavioral Insights Group, “Navigating the Client Lifecycle in Financial Advice,” 2024.)
But there’s one theme that’s NOT in the data; one I hear all the time, and honestly, it’s the one that hits hardest – loyalty.
Not loyalty based on results, loyalty based on history.
I’ve had a number of conversations lately where people say things like, “They’ve been with me for years. Things have been fine. I like them.” And sometimes, underneath that, there’s a quiet hesitation—something like, “I’m not sure if this is still the right fit, but making a change feels complicated.”
And that’s the part that’s not just surprising — it’s a little alarming.
Because shouldn’t we want more than fine when it comes to our financial future?
I consider myself a loyal person. But let’s be clear, loyalty doesn’t mean staying in a relationship that no longer serves you, just because it’s comfortable. That’s not loyalty. That’s fear wearing a disguise.
And I get it. Change is hard. Especially when it comes to money, trust, and long history. But times change. Needs evolve. And so should the team helping you to navigate it.
I remember saying something during an event where I was speaking that really stuck with people: “It’s not just athletes who have a shelf life in their profession — sometimes we all do. Even if our brains are still sharp, perception and relevance matter.”
Technology changes. Markets shift. People expect more transparency and guidance than ever. You need someone who’s not only sharp but committed to staying current, adapting, and doing what’s best for you now… not what used to work ten years ago.
Advisors Who Pitch vs. Advisors Who Protect
Here’s what I’ve been seeing firsthand in my client relations role as I support individuals navigating financial decisions — people are doing their homework. They’re not just browsing websites or skimming articles anymore. They interview advisors, ask sharper questions, and get better at noticing when something doesn’t feel quite right.
As I prepare for my Series 65 exam, it’s been eye-opening to witness how much more intentional these conversations have become.
And what I’m hearing again and again sounds like this: “I’ve spoken to three different advisors, and every single one brought up a product—whether it was a whole life insurance policy, an annuity, or something else I didn’t ask for.”
These folks were seeking out help. But what they’re running into feels more like a pitch than a plan.
Think about walking into Best Buy to buy a TV. You’ve already done the research. You know what you need. But before you can even finish your sentence, the salesperson’s trying to upsell you on an extended protection plan. It sounds useful in theory, right? But how often do you really use those? It feels like peace of mind, but often it’s just extra margin for the store. You walk out wondering if you actually got what was best for you.
And just to be clear, this isn’t about knocking the institutional model. There are absolutely professionals doing good work inside those firms. But based on what I’ve heard from people I speak with, sometimes the way those firms are structured can make it harder to separate product conversations from planning conversations. That distinction matters, because if compensation is tied to products, it naturally raises questions about objectivity.
One of the reasons I am a client of Green Ridge Wealth Planning is because of how different it feels. There are no product sales, no commissions, no pressure. The focus is on understanding your goals and helping you get there.
I’m not a licensed advisor, so I’m not here to give investment advice. But I can tell you from my own experience, and the conversations I have in my client relations role, that clarity, confidence, and peace of mind are what people are really after. They want to feel like someone’s actually listening — not selling.
Some firms may say, “Our success is tied to your success.”
In my experience, when people feel supported and understood, the pressure drops and their decision-making improves. They stop second-guessing whether the advice they’re getting is in their best interest—and start moving forward with confidence.
So ask yourself:
- Am I being guided… or being pitched?
- Is this advice truly objective or is there something else behind it?
- If nothing was being sold, would the recommendation be the same?
These are the kinds of questions that move you from guessing to knowing, and that shift alone can change everything.
From Zero to Minimum: Why the Journey Deserves More Respect
Let’s stop sugarcoating it, this is the part no one wants to say out loud. Many fiduciary firms have some kind of asset minimum. And while it’s easy to explain it away as “just the nature of the work,” that doesn’t make it feel any less frustrating for people who are serious about doing the right thing but don’t yet meet the number.
I’ve always believed that access to quality financial guidance shouldn’t be reserved for the already wealthy. But here’s the tough truth: life isn’t always fair, and not everyone starts from the same place.
It’s like trying to apply for a job that says “entry-level,” but still requires five years of experience. You’re willing. You’re hungry. You’re capable. But the doors don’t open until you’re already inside.
That’s why Green Ridge does things differently.
We’ve had plenty of conversations with people who may not yet meet the traditional thresholds for a full advisory relationship. In some cases, the fit just isn’t there yet. That’s not about exclusivity. It’s about being honest about where we may be able to add value. But when someone’s on the right trajectory or facing a financial event that changes the picture, that’s where real opportunity to help exists.
That’s why we don’t lead with, “Do you meet the minimum?”
We lead with, “Where are you trying to go and how can we help you get there?”
It’s Not About Everyone—It’s About the Right Ones
We’re not in the business of taking on everyone, and that’s not about drawing lines, it’s about impact. Real planning takes time, energy, and commitment on both sides. If after a conversation with our team there isn’t a fit for you at Green Ridge, we will do our best to point you in the right direction.
We’re not just trying to grow our client list. We’re trying to grow with the right people. People who are aligned, committed, and thinking beyond the next paycheck because wealth starts long before the wealth actually shows up.
What Peace of Mind Is Worth (And Why DIY Can’t Deliver It)
One of the biggest misconceptions out there? That this whole thing is just about chasing returns. Don’t get me wrong, growth matters. But constantly comparing your account to the S&P 500 or some other index? That’s where a lot of people start to feel confused about what really matters for them.
Here’s why I think this matters: most people aren’t comparing apples to apples.
The S&P 500 doesn’t have a retirement timeline. It’s not trying to send a kid to college in six years. It doesn’t care about taxes, cash flow, or what happens if someone loses their job next month. I’ve seen folks who feel like they’re “doing well on paper,” but still feel completely misaligned with where they’re trying to go. And others who aren’t chasing top returns, but have clarity, flexibility, and a steady confidence in their plan.
That’s the thing: returns only matter in the context of your life.
So what does thoughtful financial planning really look like?
From what clients often share with me, it’s things like:
- Having a strategy before the storm hits—not reacting in the middle of it
- Aligning spending, saving, and investing with what matters most
- Understanding how major financial moves—like selling a property—can play out differently depending on the timing and preparation
- Knowing when to hit pause instead of panic when the markets get noisy
These aren’t hypotheticals. These are the real-life moments that come up in conversation again and again. And when the right support is in place, those moments feel far less overwhelming.
Over the years—both as a long-time client and in my role supporting people through some of life’s bigger financial decisions—I’ve come to deeply appreciate the impact of having someone in your corner who sees the full picture. Not just your assets, but your goals, your responsibilities, and the season of life you’re in.
That kind of clarity doesn’t come from a spreadsheet or a blog. It comes from trusted conversations, perspective, and a strategy built around your life. And for a lot of people I’ve spoken with, once they’ve experienced that kind of alignment, it’s hard to imagine going back.
You Might Be Winning. But Are You Winning Well?
If you’re managing your financial life on your own — serious respect. That takes energy, discipline, and intention. But even so, I’d offer the same question I ask myself all the time:
What am I leaving on the table?
Not just in returns, but in peace of mind. In opportunities I might not see. In having the confidence to act when things get unpredictable.
That’s what I’ve found on this side of the fence – as a client of the same firm I now support. And it’s what we aim to offer to people who are ready to move forward with more intention and more clarity.
So, if you’re sitting with questions like, “Do I really need an advisor?” or “Is this the right kind of advisor for me?”you’re already ahead of the curve.
Let’s just make sure the answers you land on actually serve you.
Because this isn’t about beating the market. It’s about building a life that can stand up to the real world,the one where kids get sick, jobs shift, dreams evolve, and life moves fast.
That’s the life worth planning for.
If this hits home, reach out. Let’s talk about where you are, where you want to go, and whether it makes sense to walk that road together.
Because everyone deserves real guidance from someone who’s in their corner—for the right reasons. Always.
Donald Anfuso is a client and affiliate of Green Ridge Wealth Planning LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. As such, this may be deemed to be a testimonial under the SEC Marketing Rule, and may pose a conflict of interest. Mr. Anfuso is not directly compensated for the statements made herein. This platform is solely for informational purposes. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. Comments by viewers or third-party rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment outcomes and do not ensure that a viewer will experience a higher level of performance or results. Public comments posted on this site are not selected, amended, deleted, or sorted in any way. If applicable, certain editing of personal identifiable information and misinformation may be deleted. Further disclosures and information can be found at www.grwealthplan.com/important-disclosure-information.