Curious about how financial advisors actually earn their income—especially for federal employees and retirees? This video demystifies how advisors are paid, explains fee structures, and helps you choose the best financial guidance for your retirement planning.

KEY TOPICS COVERED:
Financial advisor fees explained
Commission, fee-only, and hybrid models
Pros and cons for federal employees and retirees
401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing tips
How to avoid common advisor pitfalls

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES
FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube
Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter

Socials:
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LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial

👋 WHO AM I?
CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant.

⏱ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 How do financial advisors get paid? (overview & why it matters)
1:08 Fee-Only Planning (hourly/flat retainers, complexity & scope)
3:58 Fee-Based / AUM Explained (typical 1% example, billing in arrears, breakpoints)
6:52 Fiduciary Duty vs. Suitability (what standard protects you)
7:46 Commission-Based Models (insurance, annuities, broker-dealer spreads)
10:18 Real-World Story: Long-Term Care & why commissions may still appear
13:02 Case Study: Preferred stock issue & when clients captured “the spread”
15:06 Performance-Based Fees (the ‘2 and 20’ hedge fund model)
15:58 DIY vs. Hiring an Advisor (tax plan, income plan, sequencing risk)
21:03 Wrap-Up + Health Tip: 4-4-4 (and 4-7-8) breathing for stress

Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.

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