How Do I Find a Fiduciary Advisor I Can Trust?

Jeff Albaneze
Jun 26
4 min read

Finding a fiduciary advisor you can trust is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. The stakes are high; your retirement, your legacy, and your family’s financial future may depend on the quality of advice you receive.

At Atlantic Edge, based in Jacksonville, FL, we know that selecting the right fiduciary advisor can feel overwhelming. That’s why our team, Matthew Cochran, CFA®, Kaitlyn Weatherly, CFP®, and Jeffery Albaneze, CFP®, CIMA®, has made it our mission to simplify that decision for clients across the country.

In this guide, you’ll learn what a fiduciary advisor is, why it matters, and how to confidently find the right one to manage your wealth.

What Is a Fiduciary Advisor?

A fiduciary advisor is a financial professional legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest. Unlike brokers or commission-based agents, fiduciary advisors are typically fee-only and do not receive compensation for selling financial products.

Fiduciary Duty vs. Suitability Standard

Not all advisors are held to the same standards. Here’s the key distinction:

Fiduciary Standard: Advisors must act solely in the client’s best interest.
Suitability Standard: Advisors may recommend products that are “suitable,” even if they benefit the advisor more than the client.

At Atlantic Edge, our fiduciary oath and fee-only structure eliminate conflicts of interest, giving our clients confidence that our advice is aligned with their financial goals.

Why Working with a Fiduciary Advisor Matters

Choosing a fiduciary advisor can significantly improve your financial outcomes. Here’s why it matters:

Transparent Fee Structure

Fiduciary advisors clearly explain their fees, no hidden commissions, markups, or kickbacks. This transparency helps you understand what you’re paying for and why.

Personalized Advice

Fiduciary advisors focus on your full financial picture, not product sales. At Atlantic Edge, our goal-oriented financial planning process is driven by your ambitions, whether it's early retirement, funding education, or generational wealth transfer.

Coordination with Other Professionals

A trustworthy fiduciary advisor will collaborate with your CPA, estate planning attorney, or insurance agent. Our family-office experience in Jacksonville offers this exact coordination, saving clients time and stress.

How to Find a Fiduciary Advisor You Can Trust

Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding a fiduciary advisor who aligns with your values and needs:

1. Look for Professional Credentials

Seek out advisors with recognized credentials like:

CFA® (Chartered Financial Analyst)
CFP® (Certified Financial Planner)
CIMA® (Certified Investment Management Analyst)

These designations require rigorous testing, ongoing education, and adherence to fiduciary ethics.

At Atlantic Edge, our team includes multiple CFA® and CFP® professionals who bring decades of combined experience.

2. Confirm Fiduciary Commitment in Writing

Ask if the advisor operates under a fiduciary duty at all times, not just part of the time. They should be willing to put this commitment in writing.

You can also review their Form ADV, which discloses their compensation model, potential conflicts of interest, and disciplinary history.

3. Choose Fee-Only Over Commission-Based

Fee-only fiduciary advisors are paid only by you, not through mutual fund companies or insurance providers. This reduces bias in investment recommendations.

Atlantic Edge operates exclusively as a fee-only fiduciary, giving you clarity and confidence in every recommendation we make.

4. Evaluate Their Investment Philosophy

Ask how they manage portfolios, select investments, and control risk. Do they focus on long-term results, evidence-based strategies, and your personal risk tolerance?

Our investment management at Atlantic Edge is led by three CFA Charterholders and includes strategic and tactical portfolio management tailored to each client.

5. Ask About Their Financial Planning Process

Financial advice should go beyond investments. Look for advisors who provide comprehensive planning for retirement, taxes, estate goals, and life transitions.

We structure each plan around your goals, delivering not just strategies but organized, actionable results that evolve with you.

6. Look at Client Reviews and Retention

Read testimonials, request references, and consider longevity. A trustworthy fiduciary advisor builds lifelong client relationships, not one-time transactions.

At Atlantic Edge, we’re proud of our long-standing client relationships and a decade of working together as a team.

FAQs About Choosing a Fiduciary Advisor

Is every financial advisor a fiduciary?

No. Many advisors operate under the suitability standard and are not required to put your interests first. Always ask and verify.

What does “fee-only” mean?

Fee-only advisors are compensated solely by their clients. This helps eliminate potential conflicts of interest from commission-based products.

Can I work with a fiduciary advisor outside my city?

Yes. At Atlantic Edge, although we’re based in Jacksonville, FL, we serve clients nationwide with secure, transparent digital tools and virtual planning sessions.

Pros and Cons of Working with a Fiduciary Advisor

Pros	Cons
Objective advice in your best interest	Typically higher upfront fees
Transparent pricing	May not sell insurance directly
No hidden commissions	Not all are equally experienced
Holistic financial planning	Requires client participation

Final Thoughts: Trust Is Earned, Not Marketed

Choosing the right fiduciary advisor is about more than credentials. It’s about shared values, transparency, and a clear process for managing your money responsibly.

At Atlantic Edge in Jacksonville, we offer a level of service that combines disciplined investment management with deep personal commitment to your goals.

If you’re ready to take the next step, we welcome the chance to provide a second opinion analysis of your portfolio. No pressure, just insight.