Thinking about retiring DIY-style because “why pay 1% for something I’ve managed for decades?” In this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan? podcast, Phillip Smith, financial planner and Marine Corps veteran, asks the hard question: Do you really save money going solo, or does a skilled financial advisor quietly pay for themselves?

We dive into why late-career professionals love the do-it-yourself approach, then expose hidden costs: tax drag, behavioral mistakes, sequence-of-returns risk, and decision fatigue backed by Vanguard Advisor’s Alpha, DALBAR, and Russell Investments data. Discover where a fiduciary advisor creates real-world value: integrated tax planning, Social Security timing, Roth conversion strategy, Medicare IRMAA avoidance, and “money bouncer” behavioral coaching.

You’ll learn about the “time dividend” of outsourcing, a five-point self-assessment to decide if DIY still makes sense, and practical action steps to map your financial ecosystem this month. Perfect for high-income Gen X and Baby Boomers searching “do I need a financial advisor,” “DIY retirement planning,” or “advisor fee vs value.”

Hit play, subscribe, and ring the bell to get future episodes on retirement income, tax efficiency, investment strategy, and estate planning. Share with anyone wrestling with the advisor question, and always feel free to connect with Phillip at phillip.smith@ceterawealth.com.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan, and remember: it's not about having the smartest financial advisor, the most money saved, or the highest probability of retirement success. The perfect retirement plan, for you – is the one you act on.

Phillip Smith, CRPC AIF | Financial Planner
Tidepool Wealth Strategies
450 Country Club Road, Suite 350 | Eugene, OR | 97401

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Additional Disclosures:
The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Advisor Networks LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.