
When the Financial World Doesn’t Play by Normal Rules
I had one of the strangest “Fridays” ever. Or at least, that’s how it felt as I imagined what life would look like if other industries behaved like the financial services world often does. Spoiler: it wasn’t pretty.
Basis Points at the Mechanic
My day started at the mechanic for a simple oil change and tire rotation. Normally, I’d expect an $80 bill. Instead, I was handed a charge based on the value of my car — in basis points. Suddenly, my seven-year-old Acura with 100,000 miles cost dramatically more, even though no additional work was performed.
It reminded me of how too many advisors bill clients — not by the complexity of their situation or the value of the service, but simply by how much money they have.
Shoe Shopping Gone Wrong
Next stop was a shoe store. I’ve worn Sambas since high school, and I just needed a new pair. But instead of helping me find them, the salesperson launched into a pitch for expensive running shoes and basketball sneakers, some ten times the price.
This felt all too familiar. In finance, it’s the same when advisors push what they want to sell rather than listening to what clients actually want.
Pizza with a Side of Referrals
On my way home, I grabbed a couple of pizzas. When I went to pay, the cashier told me he “gets paid two ways” — with the pizza charge and with referrals. He then asked me to write down three friends’ names before handing over the food.
Cringe-worthy? Definitely. Yet I see advisors use that same script with clients every day.
Why Finance Feels Different
Of course, none of these things actually happened. The world outside of finance doesn’t operate like this. But in my industry, clients too often face situations that don’t put them first: being matched with an advisor who isn’t a good fit, being billed based on assets instead of actual needs, being told what they “should” want, and being pressured for referrals.
My Promise
That’s why I built my firm differently. I charge a flat fee based on knowledge and experience, not your net worth. I take the time to ask the right questions so you tell me what matters most. And I’ve made a personal promise: if I ever start using cheesy lines like “I get paid two ways,” I hope a client fires me on the spot. Honestly, I might just fire myself first.
I believe financial planning should feel simple, transparent, and built around you — not confusing rules that make sense only inside the industry.
📧 I’m never too busy to be a resource. You can always reach me at Dan@forwardthinkingwm.com for a quick conversation.