If you spend any time online, you’ve probably noticed it too.

Everywhere you look, there’s a new financial guru telling you exactly what you should be doing with your money.

You should be investing here.
You’re behind if you’re not doing this.
Why aren’t you taking advantage of this strategy?

It’s loud. It’s conflicting. And it’s almost always framed as fact, not opinion.

So let me say this clearly, right from the start:

Please don’t blindly trust strangers on the internet with your money - myself included.

You Can’t Outsource Trust

Here’s the uncomfortable truth:
You can’t just hand trust over to someone else and hope for the best.

To make good financial decisions, you need:

• A basic understanding of how money works

• The ability to ask good questions

• The confidence to slow things down

I’ve had people come to me and say, “I trust you completely - here’s all my cash.”

And every time, I stop them.

If someone is willing to take all of your money on blind trust, that’s not a green flag - it’s a warning sign.

My first call with anyone is never about selling. It’s a discovery call. We talk about goals, current structure, concerns, and timing. The goal is comfort, clarity, and understanding - not urgency.

No pressure.
No rushing.
No “act now or miss out.”

How to Evaluate Someone Before Trusting Them With Your Money

Whether you’re considering working with me or anyone else, here are the core things I look at before trusting a financial professional.

1. Experience (New Is Fine - Context Matters)

Everyone starts somewhere. I did too.

But experience isn’t just about years - it’s about depth and support. Ask:

• Who are they learning from?

• What mentorship do they have?

• What results are their mentors getting?

• How are they using these strategies personally?

• What mistakes have they made?

You want someone who understands both what works and what doesn’t.

2. Do They Practice What They Preach?

If someone recommends a strategy, they should be able to speak honestly about:

• how it’s working for them,

• what surprised them,

• and what they’d do differently.

If everything sounds perfect, polished, and risk-free - pause.

Real experience includes lessons, not just wins.

3. How Do They Get Paid?

This one matters more than most people realize.

I’m very upfront: I’m a life insurance broker. I earn commissions from insurance companies when I sell their products.

You should always know:

• how someone is compensated,

• whether incentives differ between products,

• and why one option is being recommended over another.

Transparency builds trust. Vagueness erodes it.

4. Who Else Is Involved?

If someone works within a brokerage, agency, or team, zoom out:

• Who supports them?

• Who’s above them?

• What happens if they leave the industry?

This matters because relationships change - and you need to know who’s responsible for your plan long-term.

Knowledge Beyond What They Can Sell

A big question to ask yourself:

Are this person’s recommendations limited to only what they can sell?

Even if someone isn’t licensed to offer a specific product, they should still be able to:

• explain how it works,

• outline pros and cons,

• and be honest about their limitations.

If someone claims to be an expert on everything, that’s not confidence - it’s a red flag.

Pay Attention to How Well They Listen

Money is personal. Your plan should be too.

Notice whether someone:

• asks thoughtful questions,

• customizes recommendations,

• and adjusts based on your timeline and priorities.

Or are you getting a one-size-fits-all presentation with minor tweaks?

Listening matters more than polish.

Common Red Flags to Watch For

These are some of the biggest warning signs I see online:

🚩 Unclear or misleading titles
If you don’t recognize a credential, look it up. Legitimate licenses are verifiable.

🚩 High-pressure sales tactics
Especially on a first call. Informed consent takes time.

🚩 Deflecting or dismissive answers
There are no stupid questions. Anyone who makes you feel otherwise is trying to control the conversation.

🚩 More focus on building a “team” than educating clients
Education should always come first.

🚩 Being pushed onto private messaging apps or payment links
No legitimate professional will ask you to send money through DMs, e-transfers, crypto, or private apps.

If something feels rushed or secretive - slow it down.

Trust Your Gut

This might be the most important piece of all.

If something feels off, it probably is.

You’re allowed to:

• interview multiple professionals,

• walk away without guilt,

• and wait for alignment.

The right fit should feel calm, respectful, and empowering - not urgent or confusing.

Final Thoughts

Your money deserves patience, transparency, and respect.

Anyone worth working with will support your understanding, not rush your decision. And the right guidance will always leave you feeling more informed - not more dependent.

Until next time,

Live Free.