5 Myths About Choosing a Financial Advisor

We know that selecting a financial partner is one of the most important decisions you can make for your future. Understandably, there are common assumptions people make about financial advisors, how we operate, the scale of our company, or even the kind of relationship we build with clients. We want to clear up some of those questions and give you a transparent look at who we are and how we serve our communities.

Here are five important things to consider:

Myth 1: Smaller firms can’t handle complex financial needs

Truth: While we’re deeply rooted in our local communities, we’re also backed by Tompkins Financial Corporation, a bank ranked in the top 4% of U.S. banks by asset size.

That means our clients get the best of both worlds: the personalized service of a local advisor and the confidence that comes from the strength and stability of a well-capitalized financial institution. Whether you’re managing day-to-day wealth strategies or navigating multigenerational planning, we have the resources to meet your needs without compromising our dedication to the communities we serve.

Myth 2: You’re only working with one advisor

Truth: At Tompkins, wealth management is too important to leave to a single perspective. That’s why we use a team-based service model.

When you work with us, you’re not just meeting with one advisor, you’re tapping into the experience of a full team that includes investment professionals, trust officers, planners, and more. This collaborative approach ensures that your plan reflects a wide range of expertise, giving you depth and flexibility as your life and financial goals evolve.

Myth 3: Financial advising is just about investments

Truth: At Tompkins Financial Advisors, we are committed to looking at your financial picture holistically, including retirement, estate planning, tax considerations, charitable giving, risk management, and beyond. The result is a plan built around your life, your goals and your family, not around products.

As fiduciaries, we are legally and ethically bound to act in your best interest, not to sell you products or chase trends. So you can rest easy knowing we will have your best interests in mind at all times.

Myth 4: Advisors must be either “local” or “national”

Truth: We’re both!

We have deep roots in the communities we serve across Central New York, the Hudson Valley, Western New York, Southeastern Pennsylvania, and Florida. At the same time, our team has the experience and resources to support clients wherever life takes them. Whether that’s managing a second home in another state, coordinating with out-of-area professionals, or helping families plan across generations and geographies.

Myth 5: Personalization only goes as far as the numbers

Truth: Financial success is about people, not just spreadsheets and projections. Our advisors take time to understand your story, your goals, and even your values.

We invest in tools like our Total Wealth platform, which provides you with a clear, consolidated view of your finances. But more importantly, we use those tools to have real conversations that connect the numbers back to what matters most to you.

The Bottom Line

Choosing a financial advisor is about trust, alignment, and clarity. At Tompkins Financial Advisors, we’re proud to combine the strength of a publicly traded financial institution with the heart of a community partner. We offer a team-based, fiduciary approach that’s tailored to the lives of the clients we serve.

If you’re looking for a partner who can support you through every stage of your financial journey, we’re here to help.

https://www.tompkinsfinancialadvisors.com/about-us/contact-us 

Investments and insurance products are not insured by the FDIC, not deposits of, obligations of, or guaranteed by the bank or its affiliates, and are subject to investment risk including possible loss of principal. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.