Your Best Interests, Always.
The Fee-Only Fiduciary Standard
In retirement, the right guidance makes all the difference. Unlike advice that may be “suitable” but not necessarily best, our fee-only fiduciary approach is designed to align completely with your interests. We’re committed to providing the highest standard of care because we believe you deserve transparency and trusted advice.
Who’s Really Looking Out for You?
Fee-Only Fiduciary vs. Commission-Based Advisors
Understanding the difference between a fee-only fiduciary and a commission-based advisor can help you make smarter decisions about your finances. Here’s what you need to know:
A Fee-Only Fiduciary
- has a legal duty to act in your best interests — at all times
- earn no commissions, so their focus is entirely on helping you achieve your goals
- are independent, and their advice isn’t influenced by sales quotas
Commission-Based Advisors
- are salespeople and work for commissions to sell products
- legal obligation is to their employer
- follow a “suitability” rule, which means the products they recommend just have to be good enough — not necessarily the best fit for you
In Simple Terms:
A Fee-Only Financial Planner is NOT a Sales Person
Yes, they can (and should) help you navigate Social Security, Mutual Funds, Medicare, Insurance, etc., but they MUST do so based on what is BEST for your whole financial picture. When you work with a fee-only fiduciary, you can feel confident knowing your goals, not product sales, are driving the advice you receive.
It’s Easy to Ask
When hiring someone to manage your savings and investments, start with this simple question: Are you a fee-only fiduciary?
If the answer isn’t a clear yes, it might be time to look elsewhere. While their advice could be helpful, their main goal may be to sell you an investment product—whether or not it’s the best fit for you.
Even if you’re considering free financial advice from a bank or credit union, the rule still applies: Ask if they’re a fiduciary.
Iron Mountain:
Fee-Only & Focused on You
At Iron Mountain, we follow the Institute for the Fiduciary Standard’s Best Practices, ensuring your best interests always come first.
Our fee-only model means we’re paid directly by you—never through commissions or product sales. This ensures our advice is completely focused on what’s best for you, without hidden incentives.
Before we begin any service, all fees are fully disclosed and clearly explained, so you’re always confident about the value we provide.
Our Fiduciary Oath
At Iron Mountain, your best interests guide everything we do. That’s why we proudly commit to these five fiduciary principles:
- Always putting your best interests first.
- Acting with the skill, care, and judgment of a trusted professional.
- Providing full, clear, and fair disclosure of all important information.
- Avoiding conflicts of interest whenever possible.
- Fully disclosing and managing any unavoidable conflicts in your favor.
This is more than a promise — it’s the foundation of how we serve you.
