DIY Investing vs. Hiring an Advisor: The Real Value Breakdown, Ep 23

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February 15, 2025 • 41 mins

Managing your own investments can feel empowering—especially when you've done the research and built a solid plan. But when does the complexity of financial planning cross the line from DIY-friendly to requiring professional help?

That’s exactly what Dr. W is wondering. As a resident who's been diligently managing an all-equity portfolio, he’s now questioning when and if a financial advisor would be worth the cost. What’s the real value of professional advice, and how does it stack up against a well-educated, self-managed approach?

We unpack the tangible and intangible benefits of working with a financial planner, from tax management and asset allocation to the critical role of behavioral coaching. The answers may surprise even the most financially savvy physicians.

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You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

(4:50) The financial industry’s value problem
(7:10) The gap between advisor cost and value
(9:10) How to tell if an advisor adds value
(13:30) The hidden cost of bad advice
(18:00) Why behavior & tax strategy matter
(22:40) What to ask when hiring an advisor
(27:30) Tax planning: the advisor’s edge
(36:20) Final thoughts on advisor selection

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