Doug and Producer Chris chat about a very controversial topic in the FIRE community – working with a financial advisor.  They explore the reasons someone might or might not want to work with an advisor, discussing common pitfalls like high fees & hidden motivations, while emphasizing the benefits of getting an outside perspective & professional guidance, especially in areas like decumulation and complex financial situations. Did this episode motivate you to seek professional financial help?  If so, check out our friends at Nectarine, where you ONLY pay for investing & planning advice.  Advisors don’t manage your money, sell products, or earn commissions.  *Affiliate link below, so if you do work with Nectarine, we might earn a commission. https://milehighfi.com/nectarine Do you like the podcast and want to support the show?  Follow the link to find out how: https://milehighfi.com/support/ Curious to know exactly what products Doug uses?  Check out his Amazon lists below. *Affiliate links below, so if you buy something or spend money, we might earn a commission. That helps the show and doesn’t cost you anything extra. Thank you! Guitar Accessories Hiking & Outdoor Essentials for Sleep Want to order MHFI stickers/temporary tattoos or create your own custom stickers?  Of course you do!  We ALL do!  Order them here using our affiliate link so that we might earn a commission: https://www.stickermule.com/dougcunnington Links Jeremy Schneider on MHFI episode 122 Jeremy Schneider on MHFI episode 243 MHFI Facebook group Doug’s site Check out Producer Chris’s blog: Epic Financial Journey — Join the Mile High FI Club – It’s the email list! Get MHFi Merch – It helps support the show. Get t-shirts & more **Disclaimer: The podcast is for informational purposes. Maybe entertainment but we won’t even make such a claim. You shouldn’t take the info as financial, legal, or tax advice. We aren’t certified financial planners or advisors. We’re not qualified for much. So get advice from professionals.** Brought To You By: The Doug Show, aka Affiliate Marketing & Side Hustles Email the show: [email protected] 0:00 Introduction 4:35 Insurance agents 9:24 The problem with fees 15:21 The downsides of DIY 19:57 Identifying blindspots 27:58 Dealing with complex situations 33:20 Actually working with an advisor 38:23 The importance of professional help 43:20 Mindset & spending in retirement 50:03 Soundcheck – Kitchen gadgets