Skip to main content

«  Visit the Learning Center

Have Questions About Working with a Financial Adviser?

November 18th, 2025

2 min read

By Glen D. Smith CFP® CRPC®

If you’re thinking about working with a financial adviser, you probably have questions, important ones. 

  • How do I know my adviser truly puts my interests first? 
  • What’s the difference between “fee-based” and “fee-only”? 
  • How does an adviser get paid, and how does that affect their recommendations? 
  • Can I trust that the advice I receive is unbiased? 

At GDS Wealth Management, we understand that these are the questions that matter most when you’re deciding who to trust with your financial future. 

Transparency, honesty, and integrity are at the core of everything we do. Our philosophy is simple: treat every client the way we would want to be treated, openly, respectfully, and with genuine care. 

That’s why we operate as fee-only fiduciaries. This means we are legally obligated to act in our clients’ best interests, and we are compensated solely through a transparent fee based on the assets we manage, no commissions, no hidden incentives, no proprietary products. 

Our Commitment to Clarity 

We know that financial planning can feel complicated, and the last thing anyone needs is confusion about how their adviser works or gets paid. Our goal is to remove that uncertainty by being upfront about our process, our structure, and our values. 

That’s why we created The GDS Wealth Management FAQ Video, a short, straightforward look at the questions we’re asked most often by people considering working with our firm. 

In the video, our team explains: 

  • What it truly means to be a fiduciary
  • How our fee-only structure helps reduce potential conflicts of interest 
  • Why we believe comprehensive financial planning should come before investment recommendations 
  • How our approach helps clients make informed decisions about their financial future


Open, Honest, and Client-Centered 

We believe you deserve a relationship with your adviser that’s built on mutual understanding and transparency. Whether you’re nearing retirement, building wealth for the future, or simply looking for guidance, you should feel confident knowing exactly how your adviser operates, and who they’re working for. 

At GDS, the answer is simple: we work for you. 

We invite you to watch The GDS Wealth Management FAQ Video to hear directly from our team. You’ll see why our approach begins with education and conversation, so you can make the best decision for your financial future. 

Ready to Start the Conversation? 

Your financial future deserves clarity and confidence. Schedule your complimentary financial consultation with a GDS Wealth Management adviser today to learn how our fiduciary, fee-only approach can help you plan with purpose. 

GDS Wealth Management (“GDS”) is a registered investment adviser registered with the SEC. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The information is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. All investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. For more information on services, fees, and important disclosures, please refer to our Form ADV, available at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/.