With the rise of FinTech, influencer advice, and the endless ads from DIY trading platforms, you might have wondered: Should I just do this myself?
Financial literacy is absolutely an essential life skill, knowing how investing works is empowering. But it’s also worth being mindful of the time, effort, and trade-offs involved. There are plenty of good reasons to take the DIY route, and also solid reasons to work with a financial advisor.
1. Clarity and Confidence
Apps give you the tools, which is great for beginners. But what they often don’t give you is clear direction. You’re on your own when it comes to researching, planning, and reacting to market changes.
A financial advisor helps you cut through the noise, stay focused on your long-term goals, and understand why your money is doing what it’s doing. It’s easy to feel confident in a bull market, but what happens when things go sideways? An advisor can guide you through uncertain times with more clarity and less stress.
2. Time vs. Expertise
DIY investing can be rewarding, especially if you enjoy digging into research, following market trends, and managing your own portfolio. For some, it becomes a genuine hobby.
But for others, it’s overwhelming. A good advisor spends their days watching the markets, adjusting portfolios, and helping clients navigate decisions. If you’d rather spend your time living your life instead of tracking interest rate forecasts, that expertise might be worth leaning on.
3. Cost: Upfront vs. Hidden
DIY platforms often advertise low fees, but it’s important to zoom out. There can be hidden costs in the form of:
- Extra trading fees
- Missed opportunities
- Mistakes made from inexperience
- The time and mental energy it takes to manage everything yourself
For example, platforms like Questrade report performance before fees, and many don’t clearly show the tax impact of your choices. Advisors do charge a fee, but part of what you’re paying for is peace of mind, smart strategy, and someone to call when the markets go wild.
4. Structure and Support
Let’s be honest, life gets busy. Even with the best of intentions, it’s easy to set financial goals and then lose momentum. A financial advisor provides structure, routine check-ins, and a built-in system for keeping your goals on track.
Whether it's adjusting your plan after a life event or simply remembering to revisit your budget each year, that added support can make a big difference in following through.
5. A Broader Financial Perspective
DIY platforms are great for buying and selling investments. But personal finance is about a lot more than your portfolio. Tax planning, insurance, estate strategies, and retirement projections all matter, especially as your life and goals evolve.
A financial advisor takes a 360° view, helping you plan for all aspects of your financial life, not just the stock market.
Bonus Thought: Trust is Inherited Too
If your parents have worked with a financial advisor for years, that relationship itself can be a valuable asset. An advisor who has helped your family grow and protect wealth over decades already understands the bigger picture, your family’s values, long‑term goals, and how decisions have been made over time.
Even if you’re comfortable managing your finances on your own, staying connected with someone your family already trusts can offer continuity and perspective, especially during major transitions like inheriting wealth or navigating new responsibilities. You don’t have to commit forever, but trust built over time can make those moments smoother. It’s simply another factor worth considering.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. If you love learning, have the time to stay on top of things, and feel confident making financial decisions, the DIY route might be a great fit. But if you're unsure, short on time, or just want a second opinion, a financial advisor might bring more value than you expect. Either way, taking control of your finances is a huge win. The key is finding the approach that keeps you focused, clear, and confident in the long run. If you’re wondering which path is right for you, we’re always happy to have a no-pressure conversation.
Whether you're a current client or someone looking to take the next step toward financial success, Alpen Investment Advisors is here to guide you every step of the way. Based in North Vancouver, our team, led by Jon Alpen, brings over 20 years of experience in helping clients grow, preserve, and navigate their wealth. With expert guidance, tailored solutions, and a steadfast commitment to your success, we are dedicated to supporting your unique financial journey.
Reach out to us today at jonathan@alpenia.ca to start or continue building your financial future with confidence and clarity.
