Choosing the Right Financial Advisor: Are Your Goals Aligned?

Choosing the Right Financial Advisor: Are Your Goals Aligned?

A parent approached me at a recent youth soccer tournament during one of the breaks between games. Knowing my profession, he asked, “What do you think about annuities?” When I responded that it depends on the situation, his expression revealed this wasn’t the answer he expected. I asked what conversations he’d had with his advisor that led to this recommended product. His puzzled look told me everything.

This is actually a common scenario. People often ask for second opinions on investment strategies, but these conversations are challenging because they lack crucial context. More concerning is that many haven’t had detailed discussions with their primary advisors either.

Proper Care for Your Financial Health

Consider your relationship with your doctor. During an appointment, they review your history, ask questions, examine the specific issue, and then recommend a course of action. They might say, “If this doesn’t improve in a week, let’s try something else.” This level of care and attention should extend to our financial health as well.

I learned this lesson personally while settling my father’s estate. Going through his meticulously organized files spanning decades, I discovered a disconnect: his investments didn’t align with his goals. His advisors hadn’t adapted their strategies as his circumstances changed.

My approach to advising stems from personal experience. After losing my mother at age 10 and later supporting my father through stage 4 cancer, I witnessed how quickly financial stability can shift when life takes unexpected turns. These experiences shaped my belief that understanding clients—their families, goals, and aspirations—is paramount to providing meaningful guidance.

Many advisors would agree with this principle, but implementation requires dedication and a consistent process. I tell my children, “A lot can change in six months.” This holds true for financial planning. As we grow and experience life, our priorities evolve. A strategy that worked last year might not serve today’s goals.

An effective advisor should:

  • Develop a deep understanding of your current priorities.
  • Maintain ongoing dialogue as circumstances change.
  • Create flexible strategies addressing short-, intermediate-, and long-term objectives.
  • Communicate recommendations clearly, explaining how each investment serves your specific goals.
  • Build trust through transparency and regular engagement.

Partner With the Right Financial Advisor for Your Goals

Returning to the soccer tournament conversation: after discussing his family’s objectives and explaining how annuities work, the father realized the recommended product didn’t match his goals. This illustrates the power of informed decision-making. At Solidarity Wealth, we believe that when clients understand both their objectives and the proposed strategies, they naturally gravitate toward appropriate solutions without being sold.

If you are looking for an advisor to focus on understanding your family’s goals, or if you need to check to see if your investments reflect your priorities, I welcome a conversation. You can reach me at cameron@solidaritywealth.com or 385-374-1665.

About Cameron

Cameron Cole, MBA, CFP®, is a wealth advisor at Solidarity Wealth, a privately held, independent wealth management firm that serves as a multi-family office to some of the Mountain West’s most successful families, technology entrepreneurs, and executives. He brings a wealth of life experience to his role, using his knowledge, experience, and skill to guide clients through the complexities of wealth management. 

Cameron believes that clients deserve more than just financial advice—they deserve empathy, honesty, and a partner who respects their individuality. He approaches each client relationship with these values at the forefront, helping them understand the future implications of today’s decisions and aligning their wealth with their personal goals and values. He thrives on working with families who, like him, are dedicated to creating meaningful legacies, advising them at the intersection of wealth and personal values to position their financial resources for long-term success.

Cameron views wealth management as a collaborative effort, working closely with a network of specialists to offer comprehensive and holistic advice. His personal experiences—ranging from the financial sacrifices his mother made to the challenges his father faced after her passing—have shaped his approach, emphasizing thoughtful planning, compassion, and a dedication to guiding others as they pursue their vision for the future.

Cameron holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from the University of Montana where he also completed as a student-athlete. He has an MBA from the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business and has obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and being involved in his community. 

Solidarity Wealth is a registered investment adviser. This material is solely for informational purposes. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Solidarity Wealth and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Solidarity Wealth unless a client service agreement is in place.

Cameron Cole

Cameron Cole

Wealth Advisor

(385) 374-1665

cameron.cole@solidaritywealth.com