I have been thinking a lot about agency lately. Oxford Dictionary defines it as “an action or intervention, especially such as to produce a particular effect”. A sense of agency refers to “the feeling of control over actions and their consequences”.

I know personally that I am not a go at it alone type person. I truly appreciate and constantly seek those that can help me navigate and improve my experience and the outcome of my endeavors. For example, while I have developed a personal yoga practice over the years, I relish and desire a teacher to lead me. Partly because I want to learn from a specialist so that I may improve my balance, strength, and breath work, but mostly because I just want to be led. I want to relinquish some control and trust a guided source. The trust the teacher will notice if I am posed incorrectly and help me adjust. I appreciate the environment a teacher creates – the voice that guides, the incense burning to cleanse the air and the music to fill the empty space and direct the vibe. The teacher enhances the experience. In a way, she/he is an agent.

It is getting harder and harder to find trusted agency in this world. Google reviews often don’t cut it. The specialized service and the positive experience you are searching for to landscape your yard, clean your gutters or write that legal document is truly hard to find. Many artists need an agent to navigate the acting industry for them so they can concentrate on their own skills and creative work. To truly blossom in their medium, they don’t want to be bogged down with bookings, contract reviews and financial transactions. But is that industry of agents regulated? Elvis would have appreciated so.

One of the main characteristics of my work as a private wealth advisor is that of an agent. I am a fiduciary. My clients must have trust and confidence that I always have their best interest in mind. I follow the standard and code of ethics created by the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNING BOARD. I must constantly improve my competence in this industry as many clients hire me to be specialized, navigate this complex financial industry, and connect them to other competent advisors in the areas of financial planning. 

I take this service seriously. I am like a sherpa that guides someone up a mountain. There are many levels of service I can provide. I can carry gear, lead the proper path ahead, prepare food and tent for rest. Or I can simply be a trusted companion on the trek, someone to check in with if they feel they aren’t going the right direction, another pair of eyes and ears holding the compass so they don’t go astray. That is a lot of responsibility for one’s well-being!

If you are looking for guidance in the complex financial world, need another glance at your plan or want a full comprehensive financial planning service, reach out. We want you to Be Bold and Love Your Life! Find your trusted guide and move forward with a sense of strong agency.

Brandon R. Cabaniss, CFP ®

Financial Advisor