Independent Thinking^®

Verify, then Trust: Building a Team of Advisors

In times of uncertainty – economic, political, or personal – it’s natural to worry. Even those who are financially well-off aren’t immune to the “what-ifs” that keep us up at night. So, what’s the antidote? It starts with building the right team of trusted advisors and continues with engaging in open, honest conversations.

Easier said than done, of course. In my 50 years as a wealth manager, I’ve seen some shocking violations of trust. And we’ve all heard the old social rule: Don’t talk about sex, money, or politics. While the world has changed, that taboo still lingers. I don’t always feel that I can talk openly about my finances with my friends or even my family. And I know I’m not alone in that.

But trust is essential, particularly when the going gets tough – in our society, in the markets, or in our personal lives. We sell ourselves short if we don’t trust our family and our advisors, our doctors, teachers, coaches – the people invested in our lives and those of our families. That’s why it’s important to determine if someone is worth trusting and, that done, to create a safe space where transparency is welcome.

Consider health, another traditionally private topic. Our long-term medical well-being depends on trust as well as luck. A good physician, one who really listens, needs patients to speak up, to share their concerns, take the necessary tests, discuss results, follow advice, and seek a second opinion if the diagnosis is serious. (That’s not disloyal – it’s wise.)

I would never rely on self-diagnosis to deal with a serious medical condition, even with the help of Doctor Google. That’s good practice for other areas of life too. While I might consider that my long experience as wealth manager has made me an expert on financial matters, I recognize the value of collaboration in evaluating my own options and forming my own decisions. Outside perspective and expertise are essential.

That’s why when I’m asked, “What’s your best advice for the current market?”, my answer is always the same: It depends on the full financial picture. A good advisor needs to have a full understanding of individual and family long-term goals and current concerns, assets and liabilities, income and spending patterns, health considerations, family dynamics and legacy intentions.

The real antidote to uncertainty isn’t just financial stability. It’s knowing we’re not navigating life alone. Build a circle of trusted advisors: a physician, a financial advisor, an accountant, and a lawyer. Give them the full picture, share questions and concerns, ask for second options. If we let our advisors help, we can focus on what matters most.

Uncertainty will always be with us. But with the right team and the right conversations, we can face it with confidence and calm. It’s never too late to build the right team – and never too early to stop worrying alone.

Jeff Maurer is the Chairman of Evercore Wealth Management and Evercore Trust Company. He can be contacted at [email protected].