Get a free, no-obligation financial consultation. Schedule Now
Please note by using any of the links provided for your convenience you will be leaving Fidelis Wealth Advisors website. The hyperlinks are to websites and servers maintained by third parties. We do not control, evaluate, endorse or guarantee content found in those sites. Your use of such sites is at your own risk.
Please note by using any of the links provided for your convenience you will be leaving Fidelis Wealth Advisors website. The hyperlinks are to websites and servers maintained by third parties. We do not control, evaluate, endorse or guarantee content found in those sites. Your use of such sites is at your own risk.
Logo Fidelis Wealth Advisors - Castle Rock, CO

Should I DIY my Investments?

Posted on

By: Jeff Bullock

Should I DIY my Investments?

I get asked all the time if a DIY approach to investing is the right method. There’s no clear-cut answer. For some with an investment background or education, it might make sense. For others, hiring an advisor is really the only way to create peace of mind. For those who go about the DIY approach, generally it’s a game of trade-offs. The most common trade-offs revolve around the time commitment, cost, access to trusted help, financial understanding, and deal flow.

While there are many ways to approach your money management, here are three things to think about before you DIY your own investments:

  • Co-Pilot:
    • The best-trained pilots need a co-pilot. The best quarterbacks in the NFL need a QB Coach. Even if you feel comfortable with the investment landscape, does it makes sense to have a co-pilot, especially if that co-pilot is up-to-date on industry news, landscape and innovation?
    • I meet with many people each year who are fully capable of taking a DIY approach to their finances, but generally due to their busy schedules, they aren’t able to dedicate the proper amount of time needed to make the best decisions. In many instances, the purpose of a co-pilot is to ensure the best decision is made, not just a good one.
  • Innovation:
    • Contrary to some thinking, there is a ton of innovation happening in the investment world. New products and better ways to get access to certain asset classes are being created and rolled out each year. A great advisory team will be meeting with industry partners regularly to stay ahead of the innovation curve.
  • Access:
    • Deal flow and access to opportunities can be a big trade-off when taking a DIY approach. Most financial institutions operate through “channels” to distribute their products and investment opportunities. In many instances, certain investment opportunities are only available through an advisor because that is the only channel by which the opportunity is being distributed.

Is it cheaper to DIY your investments? On the surface, it may feel that way depending on your approach, as long as you are willing to accept the tradeoffs. 

For example, 2022 has obviously been a volatile year in markets. However, there are many investments that have positive returns this year, but are only available through the advisor channel, and can’t be accessed by the DIY investor. These investments have been an anchor to our portfolios during these volatile movements.    My job is to help people make better decisions and continuously improve. If being the pilot or co-pilot through your financial journey can help you make better decisions, then perhaps there’s a place for an advisor in your life.

This blog is general communication being provided for informational purposes only.  This information is in no way a solicitation or offer to sell securities or investment advisory services.  It is educational in nature and not to be taken as advice or a recommendation for any specific investment product or investment strategy.  This does not contain sufficient information to support an investment decision.  Any investment or investment strategy mentioned may not be suitable for all investors or in their best interest.   Statistical information, quotes, charts, references to articles or any other quoted statement or statements regarding market or other financial information is obtained from sources which we believe reliable, but we do not warrant or guarantee the timeliness or accuracy of this information. All rights are reserved.  No part of this blog including text, graphics, et al, may be reproduced or copied in any format, electronic, print, et al, without written consent from Fidelis Wealth Advisors, LLC. Fidelis Wealth Advisors does not provide legal or tax advice.  Please be advised to consult with your investment advisor, attorney or tax professional before making any investment decisions.

Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC is a registered investment advisor located in Colorado. Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC and its representatives are in compliance with the current filing requirements imposed upon registered investment advisors by those jurisdictions in which Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC maintains clients. Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC may only transact business in those states in which it is notice filed, or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from filing requirements. Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC’s web site is limited to the dissemination of general information pertaining to its advisory services, together with access to additional investment related information, publications, and links. Accordingly, the publication of Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC’s web site on the Internet should not be construed by any consumer and/or prospective client as Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, over the Internet. Any subsequent, direct communication by [Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC with a prospective client shall be conducted by a representative that is either registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration in the state where the prospective client resides. For information pertaining to the registration status of Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC, please contact the SEC, FINRA or the state securities regulators for those states in which Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC  maintains a filing. A copy of Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC’s current written disclosure statement discussing Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC’s business operations, service, and fees is available from Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC upon written request. Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC does not make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to Fidelis Wealth Advisors LLC’s web site or incorporated herein, and takes no responsibility therefor. All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly.

Nancy Tagovailoa

PROFESSIONAL

Nancy has worked in the financial services industry for the past 25 years.  She is passionate about providing an unforgettable customer experience throughout onboarding, account opening and throughout the relationship.  Nancy works hard to make the client experience as easy and efficient as possible.

 

PERSONAL

Nancy was born in Norfolk, Nebraska, but has been in Colorado since she was 6 months old so considers herself a native.   In her free time, she enjoys gardening, painting, and spending time with her family and grandchildren.  Nancy lives in Centennial, Colorado with her husband, Lima.

Karley Winder

PROFESSIONAL
Karley Winder recently joined Fidelis Wealth Advisors as an intern. She is an undergraduate at Arapahoe Community College and is soon transferring to University of Colorado Denver business school to earn her Bachelor’s in Financial Management. Karley also has several years of entrepreneurial experience from starting her own local businesses. She has sincere interest in the field of finance and is eager to gain experience.

PERSONAL

Karley is a Colorado native and has lived in Castle Rock since she was a young girl. She enjoys horseback riding, Pilates, and mountain biking in her free time.

Rilee Erickson

PROFESSIONAL
Rilee comes to Fidelis Wealth Advisors with a background in Financial Services, having previous experience in property and casualty insurance, as well as life insurance. Rilee graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and Horticulture Sciences. Rilee’s passion is helping people protect their family and their future.

 

PERSONAL
Rilee is a Wyoming native and resides in Big Piney, Wyoming with her husband and two boys. Rilee enjoys spending a lot of time outdoors and exploring the beautiful and rugged Wyoming Range.

Skye Fineran

PROFESSIONAL
Skye comes to Fidelis Wealth Advisors as an Administrative Assistant in 2021 and is a recent graduate from West Texas A&M University. There she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. Skye also completed Amarillo College’s paralegal certification program. Skye enjoys the rewarding feeling of helping clients to achieve their financial goals and looks forward to making a difference at Fidelis Wealth Advisors.

 

PERSONAL
Skye grew up in Tecumseh, Michigan and currently resides in Castle Rock, Colorado with her family. Skye loves art history, playing golf, and spending time with her family and friends.

RIA Innovations

Fidelis Wealth Advisors has a strategic partnership with RIA Innovations, a Division of NWAM, LLC. RIA Innovations provides administrative support services for registered investment advisors nationwide. This service is under the direction of Nelly Mubashi, the Chief Operating Officer.

 

NWAM, LLC, dba Northwest Asset Management & RIA Innovations is an SEC registered investment adviser. NWAM, LLC dba Northwest Asset Management & RIA Innovations and Fidelis Wealth Advisors, LLC are not affiliated companies.

Gabriel Jones

PROFESSIONAL
Gabe started with Fidelis Wealth Advisors as an Investment Research Assistant in 2018, and has an intense passion for investment research.


PERSONAL
Gabe is currently in college to obtain his Bachelors in Finance, and enjoys spending time outside of work hiking and reading.

Dawn Folmer

PROFESSIONAL
Dawn Folmer comes to Fidelis Wealth Advisors with a background in the finance industry, having previous experience with a registered investment advisory firm in Denver. Dawn is a recent graduate of Colorado State University Global, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership. As a skilled financial planning assistant, she enjoys the rewarding feeling of helping people reach their financial dreams and retirement goals.

 

PERSONAL
Dawn is a Colorado native and resides in Castle Rock with her family, where they enjoy being adventurous and active in the outdoors. Additionally, she is passionate about travel, food, and playing golf.

Jeff Bullock

PROFESSIONAL
Jeff joined Fidelis Wealth Advisors after spending nearly 10 years working at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management in their Private Bank. As Chief Investment Officer, he is responsible for the overall investment strategy, portfolio construction, and market insights for clients.

 

Jeff held various roles during his decade at J.P. Morgan, including working as an investment specialist on their trading desk, where he was responsible for managing and trading investment portfolios for High Net-Worth families and non-profit foundations throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Jeff helped co-manage over $4.0 billion of investment assets and gained broad experience in portfolio construction and investment strategy, as well as in-depth knowledge in a variety of asset classes and markets. In recent years, Jeff was part of the leadership team that trained new advisors and established an expansion office in Utah.

 

Jeff loves helping people with their money-related questions and management. Very simply, his goal is to help others continuously improve their financial situation, regardless of the current condition. His framework centers around sound advice and proper decision-making by engaging in honest discussion and taking a long-term approach.

 

PERSONAL
Jeff holds a B.S. in Accounting from Brigham Young University. He is a native to Colorado and loves playing golf and being outdoors. He lives in Highlands Ranch with his wife Nicole, and their two children.

Lorie C. Jones, MBA, CFP®

Linkedin-in

PROFESSIONAL
Lorie began working in financial services in 2013 with a Registered Investment Advisory firm in South Denver. She started as a paraplanner and provided technology and operations support before transitioning to a Client Services Manager role with Empower Retirement. There she managed a book of 300+ Core Market plans before joining Fidelis Wealth Advisors.


Lorie enjoys the challenges presented by financial planning and is rewarded by helping clients thoroughly understand the complexities of finance so they can be better informed and in control of their planning.


In addition to securities licenses, she holds health, life, accident, property, and casualty insurance licenses in the state of Colorado and completed her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation from the CFP® Board of Standards. She is also a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA).


PERSONAL
Lorie graduated from Colorado State University with an MBA. She enjoys running and has participated in several marathons and half-marathons around the country. She also enjoys hiking with her family, traveling with her husband David and their five children, and working with the cub scout and boy scout programs, including volunteering with the district.