Why People Put Off Meeting with a Financial Advisor

Today’s Prep:

Are you avoiding meeting with an advisor? Let’s talk through some of those fears or doubts and help you overcome the hurdles to getting your financial plan in order.

Equipping Points:

When it comes to our health, some are prone to avoiding going to the doctor until it’s causing an even bigger problem. Similarly, some people put off seeing a financial advisor. Why is that? On today’s episode we talk through some of the top reasons people resist seeing a financial advisor and how to overcome those.

Worried about the costs? When you work with a professional, you do have to pay them. But it might end up saving you more in the long run. The value of an advisor is not the investing but the advice and the coaching. Eric explains how the fee structure works with him and his team.

Are you opposed to someone telling you what to do? Some people hate the idea of being told to live on a budget. Instead of viewing it that way, think about an advisor being there to help you get to where you want. Do you want to travel or improve your home? What will it take to get there? What kind of returns do you need to make and what kind of risk are you able to take?

Are you concerned that you won’t know what the advisor is saying or you’ll be embarrassed? A good advisor will talk you through it and explain the planning process. The reason you go to a professional is to have someone who is good at it help you.

Finally, many people are avoiding the possibility of bad news. Just like putting off the dentist or a physical, no one likes being told off they are in bad shape and need work. Sometimes the fear of finding out is worse than the actual situation. Go to an advisor, get a retirement readiness review, and find out so then you can plan and act accordingly with your financial plan.

Listen to the entire episode or click on the timestamps below to skip ahead.

0:47 – Do you avoid going to a financial advisor?

1:29 – It might be expensive.

5:47 – They will tell me to do something I don’t want to do.

7:54 – I’m embarrassed or won’t know what they are saying.

10:22 – What if they give me bad news?

 

Today’s Takeaway:

That retirement readiness review is to help you get what you want, not tell you ‘don’t do this.’

-Eric Peterson

Related Resources:

Do You Agree or Disagree with this Retirement Advice?

Can You DIY Financial Planning?

The Customer Ain’t Always Right In Financial Planning

More From Eric:

The host: Eric Peterson - Contact - Call: (515) 226-1500

Subscribe To The Podcast:

Apple Podcasts  -  Google Podcasts  -  Spotify  -  Stitcher  -  iHeartRadio  -  TuneIn

Check out some other recent episodes

Laid Off Near Retirement? What to Do Next

August 6, 2026

A layoff close to retirement can feel like a financial emergency, but it may not be as damaging as it first appears. Eric explains why layoffs are happening and walks through the key financial decisions that follow. He also shares a practical checklist for evaluating whether returning to work is necessary, or whether retirement may already be possible.

Mailbag: HELOCs, Trusts, and Family Money

July 30, 2026

In this mailbag episode, Eric answers listener questions about borrowing after retirement, avoiding unnecessary taxes on large IRA withdrawals, simplifying an estate, and setting healthy financial boundaries with loved ones.

Easy Ways to Ruin Retirement

July 23, 2026

Retirement can be exciting, but it can also come with new challenges. In this episode, Eric discusses some of the most common ways people can accidentally ruin retirement.

The National Park Guide to Retirement Planning

July 16, 2026

Whether you’re visiting one of the 63 national parks this summer or just hitting a local trail, a lot of the best practices for a great hike apply just as well to your retirement plan. Today, Eric “walks” through a few.

Mailbag: Military Pension Mistakes & Retirement Decision Paralysis

July 9, 2026

What happens if you make a retirement decision you can’t undo? And how do you know when you’ve done enough research before making an important financial move? In this mailbag episode, Eric answers two listener questions—one from a military retiree looking to protect his spouse after declining a survivor pension benefit, and another from a listener who struggles with overthinking every financial decision.

Movie Quotes That Reveal the Truth About Retirement

July 2, 2026

Can classic movie quotes actually teach valuable retirement lessons? In this episode, Eric takes memorable lines from films like The Terminator, When Harry Met Sally, and The Wizard of Oz and uses them to explain key retirement-planning concepts. From preparing for inevitable market downturns to understanding why every retirement plan should be personalized, these famous quotes provide surprisingly practical financial insights.

Where Does Guaranteed Income in Retirement Really Come From?

June 18, 2026

What does “guaranteed income” really mean in retirement, and is it actually possible to create a paycheck you can count on for life? In this episode, Eric breaks down the different sources of retirement income, including Social Security, pensions, investments, rental properties, and insurance-based solutions. He explains the risks many retirees overlook when relying solely on portfolios, dividends, bonds, or rental income and discusses why predictable income streams can play an important role in a well-designed retirement strategy.

Mailbag: IRA Withdrawals, Whole Life Insurance & Cash on the Sidelines

June 11, 2026

In this mailbag episode, Eric tackles a variety of listener questions about retirement and financial planning.
He breaks down complex topics into clear, practical guidance to help you make more confident money decisions.

Retirement Lessons Hidden in Walt Disney Quotes

June 4, 2026

Sometimes the best financial lessons come from the most unexpected places. Walt Disney built one of the most recognizable brands in history, but some of his most memorable quotes offer lessons that extend far beyond theme parks and animated characters.

Leave a Comment