Doing your own investing has never been easier. The tools are accessible. The fees are low. The online resources are endless. But, there’s one cost that often gets ignored – financial confidence.

1. Confidence Feels Easy in Good Times

When markets are calm and rising, it’s easy to feel in control. A few smart moves can build a lot of confidence. But, the real test isn’t how you behave when things go well, it’s how you react when they don’t. Markets always fluctuate. And, when they do, DIY investors can find themselves second-guessing their decisions.

2. When You’re Your Own Advisor, Emotions Matter

Most people don’t make decisions based on spreadsheets, they make them based on feelings.

• Fear urges you to sell.
• Greed pushes you to chase hot trends.
• Regret reminds you of missed opportunities.

In those moments, it’s hard to think clearly. That’s where advice makes the biggest difference. Not in picking stocks, but in helping you stay grounded when your instincts are pulling you off course.

3. Technology is Smart, But It Doesn’t Know You

Many DIY investors rely on algorithms and automation. These tools are impressive. They can rebalance your portfolio, minimize taxes and make your dashboard look great. But, they can’t have a conversation with you.

They can’t remind you of your goals. They can’t challenge your assumptions. They can’t keep you from making a fear-based move you’ll regret later. Smart tools are helpful. But, they’re not a substitute for thoughtful guidance.

4. Mistakes Add Up Quietly

DIY investors often fall into patterns they don’t notice until it’s too late.

• Trying to time the market.
• Overloading on a single company or sector.
• Ignoring taxes and hidden fees.
• Confusing diversification with duplication.
  

Each decision might seem minor in the moment, but, over time, small mistakes can snowball into big setbacks.

5. Advice Isn’t About Transactions – It’s About Outcomes

The value of advice isn’t just in what you do, it’s in what you avoid. It’s about:

• Making consistent, confident decisions.
• Sticking to your plan, even when it’s uncomfortable.
• Avoiding costly missteps.
• Protecting your future from your present impulses.

Advisors don’t just build portfolios; they build frameworks for making better choices, even in uncertain times.

The Bottom Line

If you enjoy managing your investments, have a clear plan and sleep well regardless of market swings…you may be just fine on your own.

But, if you find yourself feeling anxious, stuck or unsure about what to do next, it might be worth getting another set of eyes on your plan.

Control is good, but confidence is better. And confidence tends to sleep a lot more soundly.

Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Marzano Capital Group is another business name of Independent Advisor Alliance, LLC. All investment advice is offered through Independent Advisor Alliance LLC, a registered investment advisor. Independent Advisor Alliance is a separate entity from LPL Financial.

Rebalancing a portfolio may cause investors to incur tax liabilities and/or transaction costs and does not assure a profit or protect against loss.

There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.