A good financial advisor can help you build wealth, protect retirement savings, and prepare for the future. But not every advisor has your best interests at heart—and some use your words against you to push high-fee products or steer you toward choices that benefit them more than you. What you say in meetings can shape the advice you get, for better or worse. By avoiding these common missteps, you’ll protect yourself from being nudged into bad decisions. Here are eight things you should never tell a financial advisor unless you want to be misled.
1. “I Don’t Really Understand This Stuff, So I Trust You”
While honesty is good, framing yourself as clueless hands all the power to the advisor. Unscrupulous advisors may use this to sell products with hidden fees or high commissions. A better approach? Admit what you don’t know, but ask for clear explanations until you’re confident. Trust is earned, not assumed.
2. “Just Do Whatever You Think Is Best”
This may sound like giving freedom, but it signals you won’t be monitoring their actions. Advisors who prioritize commissions could take advantage by pushing annuities, insurance packages, or investments that don’t fit your goals. Instead, set clear expectations and ask how recommendations align with your financial plan. You’re the decision-maker—not them.
3. “I Don’t Care About the Fees”
Every dollar lost to fees is money that isn’t compounding for your retirement. Some advisors downplay costs, banking on clients who don’t ask questions. A single percentage point difference in fees can cost you hundreds of thousands over decades. Always ask about fee structures, from expense ratios to advisor compensation, and compare them to industry benchmarks.
4. “I Want the Safest Investment With the Highest Return”
This contradiction tells an advisor you don’t understand risk—and could make you a target for misleading pitches. No investment is 100% safe while delivering strong returns. Unscrupulous advisors may use this to sell complex products that sound safe but carry hidden risks. Instead, discuss your true risk tolerance and investment horizon.
5. “I Need to Make Up for Lost Time Fast”
Advisors may interpret urgency as desperation, opening the door to risky recommendations. You might be pushed toward speculative stocks, leveraged funds, or high-risk alternatives. While it’s tempting to “catch up,” slow and steady strategies usually serve retirement goals better. Communicate your timeline honestly, but avoid framing it as a race.
6. “I’ll Sign Whatever You Put in Front of Me”
This hands over control and creates the perfect setup for hidden clauses or predatory products. Financial paperwork can be dense, but that’s exactly why you should read it carefully or have a trusted third party review it. Never rush through signatures just to move the meeting along. Take your time—your future is worth it.
7. “My Kids Don’t Know Anything About My Money”
If your family is left in the dark, an advisor may feel freer to make decisions without accountability. Some may push estate or insurance products that benefit them more than your heirs. Even if you value privacy, having at least one trusted family member aware of your plan creates checks and balances. Transparency limits the chance of being misled.
8. “I Just Want to Beat the Market”
This signals to advisors that performance alone drives your decisions. They may use this to pitch actively managed funds with high fees, despite data showing most underperform index funds over time. The truth? Building steady, long-term wealth matters more than flashy short-term wins. Focus on your goals, not a competition with Wall Street.
Stay in Control of Your Money
Financial advisors can be powerful allies—but only if you approach the relationship with clarity and confidence. By avoiding careless statements, you reduce the chance of being misled and keep control of your financial plan. Ask questions, demand transparency, and remember: no one will ever care more about your money than you.
Have you ever regretted something you told a financial advisor? Share your experience in the comments to help others avoid the same mistakes.
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Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.
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