The Fiduciary Audit™ · Dynamic Financial Planning
Is my advisor truly acting in my best interest?
Most people assume the answer is yes. The Fiduciary Audit is a 7-question review of your advisor's legal alignment, fee transparency, and planning depth — so you know for certain.
WHY THIS MATTERSMost people assume their advisor is legally required to put them first. That's not always true.
Some advisors operate under a fiduciary standard at all times.
Others act as fiduciaries only in certain situations — while still earning commissions or recommending products that create conflicts of interest.
This audit is a structured way to find out where you stand.
HOW THE INCENTIVE PROBLEM WORKS01
Your advisor is paid based on what they recommend.
Most people know this vaguely but have never seen it spelled out.
02
If the pay structure rewards some recommendations over others, that's a conflict of interest. Not a scandal. Just math.
03
A conflict of interest doesn't make someone dishonest.
It just means the incentive exists. You're not accusing anyone of anything.
04
The fiduciary standard legally removes that conflict.
It requires an advisor to recommend what's best for you not what pays them more.
05
Without it, you might never know the difference.
The recommendation looks the same on the surface. The motivation behind it doesn't.
06
That's why it matters.
Not because your advisor is bad. Because the structure protects you regardless.
WHAT THE AUDIT COVERSThree areas. The questions are straightforward. The answers are often surprising.
01
Fiduciary status & legal alignment
Is your advisor legally required to put you first — at all times, on every recommendation?
02
Fee transparency & compensation structure
Do you fully understand every way your advisor and their firm get paid?
03
Planning depth & relationship quality
Is your advisor coordinating the full picture — or just managing a portfolio?
WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE01
Personalized result — one of three outcomes with a short explanation of what it means for your situation.
02
The Fiduciary Audit Guide™ — covering what great advisory relationships actually include, and questions worth asking over time.
03
A short follow-up series on advisory incentives, fee structures, coordinated planning, and what thoughtful wealth guidance actually feels like.
COMMON QUESTIONSWhat is a fiduciary financial advisor?
A fiduciary financial advisor is legally required to act in your best interest at all times. Not all advisors operate under this standard — some follow a suitability standard, which allows them to recommend products that are appropriate but not necessarily optimal for you.
What's the difference between fee-only and fee-based financial advisors?
Fee-only advisors are paid exclusively by their clients — no commissions, no product revenue. Fee-based advisors charge a fee but may also earn commissions from products they recommend, which creates potential conflicts of interest.
How do I know if my financial advisor is acting in my best interest?
Ask directly whether they are a fiduciary at all times and request a clear explanation of every way they and their firm are compensated. If the answer is unclear or takes time to get back to you, that's useful information. You can also verify registration status at brokercheck.finra.org or adviserinfo.sec.gov.
What should a financial plan include beyond investments?
A complete financial plan typically includes tax strategy, insurance review, estate planning, cash flow structure, equity compensation planning, and coordination with your CPA and estate attorney — not just portfolio management.
Can an advisor be a CFP® or CFA and still have conflicts of interest?
Yes. CFP® and CFA are credentials that signal training and ethics. They do not determine how an advisor's firm is registered or whether they earn commissions. A CFP® who works inside a broker-dealer structure can still earn commissions on certain recommendations. The fiduciary obligation comes from registration, not credentials.
What's the difference between a fiduciary standard and a suitability standard?
The fiduciary standard requires your advisor to recommend what is best for you at all times. The suitability standard only requires recommendations to be appropriate — not necessarily optimal. Under the suitability standard, an advisor can recommend a product that pays them more even if a better, lower-cost option exists for you.
When should I get a second opinion on my financial advisor?
If you feel like a number, struggle to reach your advisor when decisions come up, don't understand how they're compensated, or your financial life has grown more complex than the relationship was originally designed for — those are reasonable signals to ask questions.
Dynamic Financial Planning is a registered investment adviser in the State of Arizona. The Fiduciary Audit is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Results are not personalized financial recommendations. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
Dynamic Financial Planning operates on a fee-only basis. The firm does not receive commissions, referral fees, or compensation from third parties. All fees are disclosed in the firm's Form ADV, available at adviserinfo.sec.gov.