Ep14: Is Your Advisor Helping You or Selling to You?
Ep14: Is Your Advisor Helping You or Selling to You?
A Scenario Every Educator Can Relate To
You’re in the staff lounge when an advisor walks in offering “free retirement help.” They show glossy brochures, talk fast, and point to charts — but something doesn’t feel right.
Educators often get targeted by salespeople disguised as advisors, making it difficult to know if someone is truly helping or just selling high-commission products.
What CalSTRS and CalPERS Actually Provide
Both systems emphasize that your pension is not an investment product:
- CalSTRS: Defined Benefit Program is governed by Education Code § 22146 — benefits are guaranteed for life.
- CalPERS: Final compensation and service credit determine your pension — not market performance.
And importantly:
Neither system endorses or requires 403b/457b products from private advisors.
Educators should know their pension basics so they aren’t misled by sales pitches.
The Red Flags of “Sales Advisors”
Common warning signs include:
- Advisor pushes a specific annuity or insurance product immediately.
- They avoid explaining fees or surrender charges.
- They claim you “must act before a deadline” to avoid losing benefits — this is almost always false.
- They don’t help you understand CalSTRS/CalPERS rules — only their products.
How to Choose a Real Fiduciary Advisor
A real educator-focused fiduciary should:
- Explain your pension and service credit clearly.
- Discuss options, not products.
- Provide transparent fees.
- Help you coordinate 403b, 457b, Social Security offsets (WEP/GPO), and pension rules.
Your financial future deserves unbiased guidance — not a sales pitch.
Not sure if your advisor is working for you or selling to you?
Book a free educator fiduciary checkup. We’ll review your accounts, advisor recommendations, and any products you’re being offered — with no sales pressure whatsoever.