5 Secrets Financial Planners Don’t Want You to Know

Have you ever considered hiring a financial planner to help you prepare for retirement? Maybe you’ve even felt like you should, like it’s the “responsible” thing to do. After all, retirement can seem like a big deal.

But here’s the surprising truth: 99% of Americans plan their retirement without the help of a financial planner. That’s right. Nearly everyone is planning retirement on their own.

Still, if you’re thinking about working with a planner or already have one, it’s essential to be informed. Stay in control of your money, your future, and your freedom.

Let’s look at 5 secrets financial planners won’t tell you, but that you should know.

Table of Contents

5 Secrets Financial Planners Don’t Want You to Know

1. They’re Learning On the Job

I’ll be frank. Not every financial planner is a seasoned pro. Many are fresh out of training or switching careers entirely. They talk the talk, but may be very inexperienced.

Often, planners rely on templates and firm-approved scripts, which can make their advice feel generic and disconnected from your unique situation.

2. You Don’t Need Their Help to Invest

This one’s empowering: If you do dabble in the stock market, you don’t need a financial planner to do it. Thanks to modern tools and the internet, you can manage your investments yourself without expensive middlemen.

Most financial planners aren’t beating the market anyway. Their strategies often rely on long-term averages and diversified portfolios, the same ones you can create with a bit of self-education.

3. They Often Make Empty Promises

Financial planners are ultimately working for themselves. Not you. You may hear things like,

“We’ll help you retire comfortably.”

“You’ll never run out of money.”

“We’ve got you covered, no matter what the market does.”

These statements are comforting, but they’re also often unrealistic. Financial planners can’t predict the future. No one can. And yet, many will sell you a false sense of security.

4. They’re Getting Paid to Sell You Products

Some financial planners are also licensed salespeople in disguise. It’s something you need to know.

When a planner recommends a particular insurance policy, annuity, or investment product, ask yourself: Are they doing this because it’s best for me? Or because they’re earning a commission?

It’s called a conflict of interest, and it happens more often than you’d think. Many products come with incentives for the advisor, things like bonuses, trips, or higher pay.

You deserve transparency. Ask directly:

“Do you earn commissions from what you’re recommending?”

If they avoid the question or dodge around it, that’s a red flag.

5. You Can Negotiate Their Fees

Here’s a secret most people don’t know: Financial planner fees are not set in stone.

Many people just accept the standard 1% annual fee or whatever number gets handed to them without ever questioning it. But you can negotiate.

Some planners offer flat rates. Others charge by the hour. And many are willing to work with you if you ask.

Remember: This is your money. Your future. Your rules.

Conclusion

True retirement security doesn’t come from guarantees. It comes from knowing what you value, having a continuous improvement mindset, and staying in control of your decisions, not handing over your money to someone else.

You don’t need permission or the help of a planner that doesn’t have your best interest in mind. You can create a powerful, meaningful, and secure retirement all on your own.

At Rebel Retirement, we believe in value-based planning, a continuous improvement lifestyle retirement plan. You don’t have to know everything. You just need to take the next right step towards building a lifestyle that suits you.

Ready to take your next step and learn more? Our Just-in-Time Retirement series is a free, simple approach to planning your freedom with the money you have today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9oKZXf1XfQ