Before You Dive In — A Quick Background Check on Me
I’m currently studying toward my Financial Advisor qualification — but this journey didn’t just start.
With two Master’s degrees, a Bachelor’s in Finance, and over a decade of hands-on experience (including running a home-based advisory business back in India), finance isn’t just my career — it’s part of my DNA.
So yes, if you talk to me about the 2008 recession, market crashes, Brexit, COVID’s financial impact, or even today’s economic chaos, my response stays consistent:
“It will recover. It always does.”
The past has shown us that. And with that belief, let’s dive into something I’ve been reflecting on lately.
The Question Everyone’s Asking
During a recent conversation with a client — a healthy debate, mind you — they said something that stuck with me:
“Why do I need a financial advisor when I can just ask ChatGPT?”
Fair question. The logic being:
“I’ll input my investment details, craft the perfect prompt, and it’ll give me the answer — simple.”
And honestly? I agree… to a point.
Where AI Falls Short
Yes, AI can answer what you ask. But does it think beyond what you’re asking?
Does it challenge your assumptions?
Does it tailor advice to your emotions, your fears, your risk appetite?
Try this — ask AI:
“Be my financial advisor. Should I invest in X or Y?”
Now here’s the real question:
- Do you understand the jargon it uses?
- Can you truly follow through on the strategy it suggests?
- Do you feel confident enough to risk your hard-earned money based on it?
Because even if AI delivers a technically sound answer, you’re still alone in the boat.
And when markets fall, or when you panic, or when you second-guess yourself — who do you talk to?
The Human Element
That’s where a financial advisor comes in.
- Someone who listens not just to what you say, but what you leave unsaid.
- Who reminds you to stay calm when chaos strikes.
- Who adapts with your changing life stages.
- Who’s accountable — because they’re invested in your comfort, not just your returns.
And yes — I get it. There’s always a fear of bad advice.
“What if the advisor messes up? What if I get stuck?”
A valid concern.
But in my experience, the vast majority of advisors genuinely act in their clients’ best interests. Yes, outliers exist — but they’re rare. Most advisors check in regularly, hold annual reviews, and genuinely want to help — because your success is also theirs.
It’s Not Either/Or — It’s Both
I’m not anti-AI. In fact, I encourage you to use it. But don’t stop there.
Ask AI.
Ask your advisor.
Ask yourself.
Ask questions.
But don’t let a chatbot — no matter how smart — become your only voice of reason.
Lately, I’ve even changed how I answer simple choices too.
When someone asks me, “Do you want this or that?”, I often say:
“Why choose one when I can explore both and see what works best for me?”
After all, life isn’t about choosing between bad and worse.
The real choice is usually between good and better — and you deserve to explore both.
That same logic applies to managing your finances.
Whether you start small or big, starting with support — both digital and human — puts you in a much better place than staying stuck in thought.
Also, don’t tell yourself: “Oh, I just have a small amount to invest, not worth involving an advisor.”
You’re already thinking about it — that means you care and caring is the first step.
Pro Tip:
Talk to a financial advisor.
Ask AI.
Learn Process Act
Because if you don’t start today…
“tomorrow” never really shows up.
Final Thought:
AI is powerful — but it’s a tool.
A good financial advisor is a partner.
And your future deserves both.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about choosing between human and machine — it’s about choosing what makes you feel safe, confident, and in control of your future.