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Should I DIY my Investments?

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.

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John Van Sant

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PROFESSIONAL
John Van Sant began his career in wealth management in 2005 and has spent more than 20 years in leadership roles focused on operational excellence, strategic growth, and advisor support. Prior to joining Fidelis, John served as President and CFO at Cascade Financial Management and as OSJ Principal with LPL and Apollon Financial.

As COO and CCO at Fidelis, John draws on deep industry experience and a passion for building advisor-focused platforms, systems, and processes that help deliver an
exceptional client experience. He currently holds Series 7, 24, 28, and 65 licenses.

PERSONAL
John holds a bachelor’s degree in international business from Johnson & Wales University. A proud husband and father of two daughters, he is an avid golfer, dedicated “Dance Dad,” and enjoys beach days in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, where he now resides after many years in Colorado.

Karley Fidani, CPFA®

PROFESSIONAL

Before joining Fidelis Wealth Advisors in 2022, Karley ran several local businesses, selling products both in the Castle Rock area and online. Her passion for entrepreneurship and finance led her to earn a degree in Financial Management from the University of Colorado Denver.

At Fidelis, Karley has specialized in assisting small business clients with their employer 401(k) plans. She has also taken on client-facing roles as advisor and paraplanner. Karley holds her Series 65 license and is a NAPA Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®). She plans to pursue the Certified Financial Planner® designation in the near future.

Karley is passionate about building relationships with clients and is dedicated to providing a thoughtful, valuable experience that brings them peace of mind.

PERSONAL

A Colorado native, Karley grew up in Castle Rock. She enjoys spending her free time riding her horse, Dante, hiking and mountain biking with her husband, and playing electric guitar.

Rilee Erickson

PROFESSIONAL

Rilee began working in the financial services industry in 2017 as an associate specializing in property and casualty insurance, as well as life insurance.  Since joining Fidelis Wealth Advisors she has taken on a paraplanner roll, providing life insurance support, as well as client and operations support. She also hopes to obtain her own Certified Financial Planner® designation in the years to come. Rilee’s passion in the industry is helping people protect their family and their future.

 

PERSONAL

Rilee graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and Horticulture Science. She is a Wyoming native, growing up on the family cattle ranch in Lander, Wyoming, and now resides in Green River, Wyoming with her husband and two boys. Rilee enjoys spending a lot of time outdoors and exploring the beautiful and rugged Wind River Range.

Tina Jessick

PROFESSIONAL
Tina first began her accounting career in 2019 as an Intern at an accounting firm in Wichita, KS. She started working at Fidelis Wealth Advisors as an Administrative Assistant spring of 2025. Tina hopes to assist in helping clients achieve their financial goals long-term and looks forward to making a difference at Fidelis Wealth Advisors.

PERSONAL
Tina is currently attending Wichita State University in pursuit of two degrees in Finance and Accounting. She is a Kansas native, growing up in city known as the “Air Capital of the World”. She now resides in Castle Rock, Colorado with her husband and three kids. When she’s not running after her kids, she enjoys hiking, crafting, pottery, dance and baking.

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.