Proposed rule to put investors first is scuttled

By Mike Brady, Michael Brady & Co. Wealth Management

On Friday, February 3, a new rule set to take effect on April 1 was suspended by President Trump. That rule would have made it mandatory that securities and insurance salesmen put the interests of investors first when recommending products and giving “advice.” 

The rule, known as the Fiduciary Rule, would have forced salesmen to provide advice and utilize investment and insurance products that are “best” for clients and maybe not so profitable for the salesmen and their firms. The salesmen lobbied the new administration with the argument that they couldn’t make as much money if they had to put the interest of the investor first.

A government-sponsored study concluded that conflicted advice (in the salesmen’s favor) costs U.S. families an extra $17 billion a year and pushes down annual returns on retirement savings accounts resulting in less money available to fund American’s retirement incomes.

Now, without the rule, we are back to the same pecking order when deciding whose interest comes first. It’s brokerage firm first, salesman second and investor last.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

There are true professional investment advisors and financial planners who do place the interests of investors first and act in a “Fiduciary” capacity. Advisors who you can pay a simple fee for advice and who never collect any other compensation from the sale of investments or insurance or from any other source. 

We are fee-only, full-time fiduciary, Certified Financial Planner professionals. We commit to these principles:

1.  We will always put your best interests first.
2. We will act with prudence; that is, with the skill, care, diligence and good judgement of a professional.
3. We will not mislead you, and we will provide conspicuous, full and fair disclosure of all important facts.
4. We will avoid conflicts of interest.
5. We will fully disclose and fairly manage, in your favor, any unavoidable conflicts.

We have worked with hundreds of families to provide unbiased expert advice for over 30 years. We gather data, analyze it and provide you with recommendations to meet your family’s future goals and objectives. 

We educate, simplify and consolidate to make your future goals a reality. We are happy to talk with you in a free meeting to discuss your personal needs. Please give us a call or drop us an email.

Michael Brady is a fee-only, full-time fiduciary and Certified Financial Planner. To set up an appointment, call 440-235-2100, email Mike@MichaelBradyCo.com, or visit MichaelBradyCo.com.