My mom still sees financial advisors at the bank.

She walks in, books an appointment with a financial advisory manager, and buys whatever they recommend. 

Tells me all about it and thinks she’s talking to a professional because she gets to talk to the manager. Then complains about why her stocks are not growing. 

She thinks the process feels very safe because she’s walking into a big institution that’s trusted and reputable. 

They make her e-sign documents that she makes me read beforehand. 

They pick up the phone whenever she calls. Some guy with a $150 suit from Zara and an office will help her pick out her investments. 

I love my mom by the way - she’s just a certain type of persona in our industry.

There are hundreds of millions of people who fall in the same category as her as well, hence why banks manage trillions in assets.

Explaining to my mom that I understand how to read 10-Ks, MD&As, have access to institutional research tools, understand how management teams at these companies think… and that I like looking for gems because of company strategy and industry outlook etc… it would just scare her.

If she were a stranger, she might even think “what is this scam?”

I get it, banks serve normal, every day people. People who automatically think anything they haven’t heard of is a scam. 

They go online and look for videos “top 3 ETFs to buy to become millionaires” or “how to generate $500/mo in passive income from stocks”.

That’s why you rarely see me saying anything that will appeal to my mom’s friend group.

That group thinks what they want are investments, passive income, maybe life insurance.. but what they’re really just looking for some peace of mind.

I know for a fact that my list are full of people that are educated people, top performers, executives, self-directed investors, doctors, lawyers, business owners, and other creators.

People who have huge portfolios and are good with money. People who spend hours and hours watching Youtube videos to educate themselves. People who are resourceful and know how to think out of the box.

Best,
Alice