Here’s a conversation I had recently with a former colleague that happens on a weekly basis with someone from my past professional life.
“Wait, you left your job? Are you crazy?.” He paused, his disbelief palpable. “And honestly, I don’t even see the point of what you’re doing. Why does everyone need a financial advisor? I’ve only got, like, $150,000 in a rollover IRA. I can manage that myself.”
It wasn’t the first time I’d heard this perspective, and it probably won’t be the last. It’s a common misperception: that financial advice is reserved for people with millions of dollars or wildly complicated portfolios. But here’s the truth—everyone, regardless of their income or assets, can benefit from professional financial advice. And that’s one of the reasons we started AssetAlign: to make access to the best financial advice available to everyone, no strings attached.
The "DIY Mentality" Is Costing You More Than You Think
Let’s start with the numbers. According to a study by Vanguard, individuals who work with financial advisors can see an additional 3% annual return on their investments through a combination of better asset allocation, behavioral coaching, and tax strategies. Over 10 years, that could mean tens of thousands of dollars in missed growth—especially if you’re doing it all on your own.
And it’s not just about investments. Research shows that people make better financial decisions when they have professional guidance to navigate the psychological and emotional challenges of market volatility. A study from Morningstar found that behavioral coaching—helping investors avoid panic selling during downturns or overconfidence during booms—can contribute as much as 1.5% in annual value to a portfolio’s performance.
Our matching program at AssetAlign was specifically designed with these principles in mind, developed by members of MIT’s Laboratory of Financial Engineering. It incorporates the latest research in behavioral finance to pair individuals with advisors who excel not just at managing money, but at guiding clients through the emotional ups and downs of investing. Studies consistently show that finding an advisor who can coach you through decisions and mitigate emotional responses to market scenarios is more important than marginally beating the market.
"But I Only Have $150K…"
This was my colleague’s sticking point: “I’m not rich enough to need an advisor.” But the amount of money you have is far less important than the decisions you make with it. Whether it’s $150,000 or $1.5 million, every dollar you invest carries the weight of opportunity costs, market risks, and the potential for growth—or loss.
Consider this: a 2021 Fidelity study revealed that 82% of people who work with a financial advisor feel more confident about their financial future. Confidence isn’t about having more—it’s about having a plan. And the earlier you start working with an advisor, the more impactful that plan becomes.
The Problem We’re Solving
So, why don’t more people work with advisors? It boils down to three things:
Cost: Many think they can’t afford an advisor.
Trust: Finding someone credible and unbiased feels daunting.
Access: The traditional financial industry hasn’t made advice easy to obtain unless you’re already wealthy.
This is exactly why we created AssetAlign. We’re here to democratize financial advice by connecting people with a network of vetted fiduciary advisors—advisors who are legally obligated to act in your best interest. Through our data-driven matching process, we ensure individuals are paired with an advisor who matches their unique goals and preferences. And the best part? Our service is completely free for individuals. There’s no catch, no hidden fees.
Financial Wellness for All
Think of it this way: you don’t wait until you’re sick to see a doctor, and you shouldn’t wait until you’re wealthy to get a financial advisor. Your financial health impacts everything—your ability to buy a home, retire comfortably, send your kids to college, or weather unexpected expenses. It’s not just about numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s about peace of mind.
For example, financial stress costs employers $4.7 billion annually in lost productivity, according to the American Psychological Association. That’s why more companies are starting to offer financial wellness programs (like AssetAlign’s) as part of their benefits package. It’s a win-win: happier employees and better financial outcomes for everyone.
Our Mission: Your Financial Success
At AssetAlign, we believe that financial advice should be accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a teacher planning for retirement, a young professional navigating student loans, or someone with $150,000 in a rollover IRA wondering what to do next, we’ve got you covered.
Our mission is simple: to match you with the right advisor based on your needs, preferences, and goals. Through our data-driven matching process, leveraging insights from MIT’s research, we ensure you’re paired with someone you can trust—someone who understands where you are today and where you want to go tomorrow.
Let’s Change the Conversation
The financial industry has long been focused on exclusivity. We’re flipping the script. It’s not about how much money you have; it’s about empowering you to make smarter financial decisions. Because at the end of the day, your future is worth investing in—and so are you.
So, the next time someone says, “I don’t need a financial advisor,” remind them: It’s not about being wealthy—it’s about building wealth, one informed decision at a time.
Sources for Data Cited
Vanguard Advisor’s Alpha® Study: Benefits of Financial Advisors, 2022.
Morningstar: “The Value of Behavioral Coaching,” 2023.
Fidelity Investments: “The Confidence Gap,” 2021.
American Psychological Association: “The Impact of Financial Stress on the Workplace,” 2022.