October 2025 Insights: What Makes a Financial Advisor "Right" for You?

This month, we’re proud to share an article written by Eric, recently featured in the Traverse City Business News: “How to Choose the Right Financial Advisor for You”

While many of our readers have already found their trusted partner in Black Walnut Wealth Management, this piece offers valuable perspective on what to look for when evaluating an advisory relationship — insights you can share with friends, family, or colleagues who may be seeking guidance of their own.

Eric highlights what truly defines a meaningful advisor relationship: professional credentials, personal connection, and a steadfast focus on acting in your best interests.

~ The Team at Black Walnut Wealth Management

Choosing a financial advisor is about more than numbers — it’s about trust, alignment, and confidence in the relationship guiding your financial future. When those pieces come together, you can feel assured that you’re on the right path.

In this month’s feature, Eric outlines the key qualities that define a strong advisory partnership — from professional credentials and fiduciary responsibility to the deeper value of personal connection and shared priorities.

It’s a helpful reminder of what truly matters in this kind of relationship — and why working with a team that’s deeply aligned with your goals can make all the difference.

Staying Steady Through Market Swings

The stock market’s bull run has hit its third anniversary and continues to rise — a sign of strong investor optimism. But as we saw with the brief pullbacks after President Trump’s tariff comments, markets can shift quickly when headlines change.

These short-term moves are a normal part of investing, which is why we focus on building portfolios designed to stay steady through both ups and downs. By staying diversified and disciplined, we aim to help clients remain focused on their long-term goals — even during periods of market volatility. However, diversification and a long-term approach do not guarantee success, and market downturns or other factors may still affect progress toward those goals.

Finalizing Your Year-End Strategy

As we enter the 4th quarter, with a clearer view of income, investment performance, and spending for the year, October and November is the ideal time to finalize key financial decisions. We focus on strategies like Roth conversions, charitable gifts, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and tax-loss or gain harvesting — all tailored to keep your plan efficient and tax-smart.

Taking action now, rather than waiting until December, ensures we can implement these moves thoughtfully and keep your financial plan aligned with your long-term goals.

Giving With Intention

It's hard to believe, but as we enter the season of giving — from Thanksgiving through the holidays — charitable strategies become an important part of many clients’ year-end plans. We’ve already incorporated gifting opportunities into most financial plans, often using appreciated securities or donor-advised funds to maximize tax benefits while supporting meaningful causes.

If you’re considering additional charitable contributions this year, or want to explore new ways to support organizations you care about, let us know. We can help structure those gifts in a way that aligns with your broader financial goals and delivers the greatest impact — for both the causes you support and your overall tax strategy.

Help Others Find a Financial Partner They Can Trust

We’re grateful for the feedback we receive from clients. Here’s one that made our day:

"Eric has been my financial advisor for years. He is very caring. I highly recommend him." ~ Ellen G.

This testimonial was provided by a current client of our firm. We did not provide any compensation in exchange for this testimonial. Because the individual is a current client, their experience and opinions may be influenced by their ongoing relationship with our firm. Clients’ experiences may not be representative of all clients, and results are not guaranteed.

October 2025 Insights: What Makes a Financial Advisor “Right” for You?