In an age of online trading apps and influencer “advice,” it’s tempting to think you can manage your own investments. After all—how hard can it be?
But here’s the real question: Would you hire yourself to build, protect, and grow your life’s savings?
For many people in their peak earning years—especially those managing equity compensation, business earnings, or complex portfolios—DIY investing starts to feel like flying blind. Let’s explore the most common DIY investing mistakes, how they compare to working with a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor, and why investing in professional guidance may bring clarity, structure, and confidence to your investment approach.
Common DIY Investing Mistakes
Even smart, financially savvy people fall into these traps when managing their portfolios:
1. Emotional Investing
Reacting to headlines, market drops, or trends often leads to buy-high, sell-low behavior.
⚠️ Mistake: Selling in a panic during a dip or chasing hot trends at their peak.
2. Lack of Diversification
DIY portfolios often lean too heavily on what’s familiar—tech stocks, employer stock, or one asset class.
⚠️ Mistake: Over-concentration can create unnecessary risk, which can impact your future financial plan.
3. Ignoring Tax Implications
Without guidance, many investors overlook tax-efficient strategies and tax-loss harvesting.
⚠️ Mistake: Paying unnecessary taxes that eat into long-term returns.
4. No Clear Investment Strategy
DIY investors often chase returns without a cohesive plan. There’s no roadmap—just reactions.
⚠️ Mistake: Investing without aligning to goals, timelines, or risk tolerance.
DIY vs. Fee-Only Financial Advisor: A Strategy Comparison
Let’s break down what going it alone looks like versus partnering with a fiduciary advisor:
| Category | DIY Investing | Fee-Only Advisor |
|---|---|---|
| Strategy | Often reactive or fragmented | Holistic, goal-based planning |
| Tax Planning | Rarely optimized | Integrated, tax-sensitive strategies in coordination with CPAs |
| Risk Management | Self-assessed (often misjudged) | Professionally evaluated and adjusted |
| Accountability | Self-driven | Ongoing relationship and reviews |
| Emotional Control | Easy to panic or overreact | Steady guidance helps you stay on track |
Why Experience Matters More Than Ever
Just because you can invest on your own doesn’t mean you should—especially when your financial picture becomes more complex. A fee-only fiduciary financial advisor brings:
- Unbiased advice, not product sales
- Investment discipline through a variety of market conditions
- Disciplined strategies for taxes, retirement, business transitions, and legacy planning
- A long-term perspective rooted in your goals—not news cycles
Serving Clients in Tallahassee, Colorado Springs, and Across the U.S.
Whether you’re in Tallahassee, Florida, Colorado Springs, Colorado, or across the country, Smith Bruer provides goal-based fee-only fiduciary financial guidance. Our advisors understand the unique financial landscape in both regions while offering nationwide service for professionals, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals.
No matter where you live, our planning process is designed to empower our clients to make decisions and bring clarity and peace of mind..
Is DIY Costing You More Than You Think?
Here’s what many DIY investors don’t realize until it’s too late:
- Creating unnecessary taxable events
- Underperforming due to lack of diversification
- Making emotional decisions that derail progress
- Spending significant time researching strategies that a professional can guide you through efficiently.
At a certain point, wisdom is recognizing when outside perspective and experience can strengthen your overall strategy.
Why Clients Choose Smith Bruer
We’re not here to sell you products—we’re here to help you grow, protect, and use your wealth wisely. At Smith Bruer, you’ll work with a fee-only fiduciary advisor who puts your goals first, every time.
We provide:
- Investment and retirement planning
- Tax-efficient investment strategies
- Ongoing accountability and financial guidance
Ready to build a smarter investment strategy?
Whether you’re down the street in Tallahassee or Colorado Springs—or connecting virtually from across the country—Smith Bruer is here to help you invest with intention.
Serving Clients Locally and Nationwide
Smith Bruer proudly serves clients in Tallahassee, Colorado Springs, and across the country. Whether you prefer in-person meetings or virtual guidance, our fiduciary advisors are here to help you gain clarity and confidence with your long-term financial goals.
