Not all financial advisors are created equal—and some will steer you straight into the rocks while smiling the whole way. In this episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug share the top five warning signs your advisor may not have your best interests at heart. From shady investment recommendations to fee structures that deserve a magnifying glass, we unpack the behaviors and practices that can quietly drain your portfolio.

This isn’t just about avoiding bad actors—it’s about knowing what great advice looks like so you can spot the difference. You’ll hear why “fun money” accounts can be a trap, how to sniff out overly speculative pitches, and why transparency isn’t optional when it comes to your financial future. Along the way, we sprinkle in a few stories, historical nuggets, and plenty of those classic “Doug moments” that make a trip to the basement worth your time.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your financial guide is truly on your side—or if you just want to sharpen your radar—this episode will give you the practical tools to tell the difference between a trusted partner and a wolf in a well-tailored suit.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The five biggest advisor red flags that should send you running

• How to evaluate an advisor’s investment recommendations for risk and suitability

• Why fee transparency can make or break a relationship

• The subtle clues in an advisor’s office environment and interactions

• The difference between fun money accounts and dangerous speculation

• How to ensure your advisor’s plan matches your long-term goals

Questions to Think About:

• When’s the last time you reviewed exactly how your advisor gets paid?

• Are you clear on the why behind each investment they’ve recommended?

• Would you feel confident explaining your advisor’s strategy to a friend—or does it sound like a foreign language?

  
  

  This episode originally aired on August 2, 2023. Please disregard any mention of current events. You can find the original show notes here.

  FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/how-to-spot-a-subpar-advisor-greatest-hits-week-1732

  Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201

  Enjoy!

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