Fiduciary in Wappingers Falls, NY
What Is A Fiduciary?
A Fiduciary is a person or organization that acts on behalf of other persons, families, or organizations. Fiduciaries put their clients’ interests ahead of their own with a duty to preserve good faith and trust.
According to Cornell Law Dictionary, “A Fiduciary duty is the highest standard of care. It entails always acting in your clients' best interest, even if doing so is contrary to yours. For a Financial Advisor, this may mean recommending a solution that results in zero compensation because it’s the best option for the client.”
Currently, only Independent Registered Investment Advisers are required (by law) to act in a Fiduciary capacity. Brokers or Financial Advisors working for a big firm, broker/dealer, or insurance company are held only to a “suitability” standard, not Fiduciary standard; this is a less stringent standard with regards to putting client interest ahead of their own.
Being a Fiduciary matters a lot. It guides everything we do, and for every single client, we serve. We are not salespersons. We are fee-only, fully transparent, with no commissions and no hidden costs or fees.
We are incredibly proud to stand behind the following statement:
“When you succeed, we succeed.”
Fee-Only Fiduciary vs. Commission-Based Adviser
| Fee-Only Advisor | Commission-Based Adviser ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Paid directly by clients | Paid through commissions on products |
| Legally required to act in your best interest | May face conflicts of interest |
| Provides transparent, unbiased advice | Recommendations can be influenced by sales incentives |
| Focuses on long-term financial planning | Often focuses on transactions/product sales |
| Builds a comprehensive financial strategy | Limited to the products they sell |
What is a Custodian?
A Custodian is a specialized financial institution (typically a regulated entity with granted authority like a bank) that holds customers’ assets and securities for safe keeping in order to minimize the risk of their misappropriation, misuse, theft, or loss.
We are proud of the TD Ameritrade Institutional and Charles Schwab merger. They are our custodial partners and have created a massive company with more than $6 trillion in client assets and over 28 million accounts. We believe we are partnered with a “best in class” firm.
Sage is your Fiduciary and never holds or takes possession of your assets. TDAI/Schwab is your Custodian and holds all assets. They are responsible to keep your money safe.
FAQs-Fiduciary Services in Wappiners Falls, NY
At Sage Investment Advisers, we know that trust is the cornerstone of every financial relationship. As a fiduciary, fee-only firm based in Wappingers Falls, NY, we provide objective, transparent, and client-first financial guidance — free from commissions or outside influence.
Below are answers to the most common questions about fiduciary financial advice and how Sage serves clients throughout the Hudson Valley.
What does it mean to be a fiduciary financial advisor?
A fiduciary is a professional who is legally and ethically required to act in your best interest at all times. Unlike brokers or commission-based advisors, fiduciaries must prioritize your needs — not theirs — when making recommendations.
At Sage, this means every strategy, product, and plan we create is designed solely to help you reach your financial goals.
How is a fiduciary different from other financial advisors?
Many advisors are only held to a suitability standard — meaning they can recommend products that are “suitable” but not necessarily best for you.
A fiduciary, however, must always put the client’s interest first, avoiding conflicts of interest and disclosing any potential ones.
Sage Investment Advisers operates under the fiduciary standard 100% of the time, ensuring our guidance is objective, transparent, and client-driven.
Is Sage a fee-only fiduciary firm?
Yes. Sage Investment Advisers is a fee-only fiduciary firm, meaning we are compensated solely by our clients — not by commissions, product sales, or incentives from third parties. This structure eliminates conflicts of interest and ensures you receive advice that’s entirely focused on your financial well-being.
What services do fiduciary advisors at Sage provide?
Our fiduciary financial planners provide comprehensive, personalized strategies, including:
- Retirement Planning
- Investment Management
- Tax-Efficient Financial Planning
- College & Education Funding
- Estate & Legacy Planning
- Small Business Financial Strategies
All recommendations are customized for your goals, risk tolerance, and timeline.
Can I meet with you virtually or only in person?
Both! You can visit our Wappingers Falls office for a face-to-face consultation or meet with us virtually via secure online meetings — whichever is more convenient for you.
How do I schedule a consultation?
You can schedule your complimentary consultation by:
- Calling our office at 845-240-1551
- Or visiting our website’s Contact Page
Our team will reach out to confirm your appointment and help you prepare any materials needed for your first meeting.
Why should I work with a fiduciary financial advisor?
Working with a fiduciary means having a trusted advocate who is legally bound to put your best interest first. You’ll receive unbiased advice, full transparency, and peace of mind knowing your financial plan is built solely around your needs — not sales goals.
How can I verify that Sage is a fiduciary?
You can verify our fiduciary status through the SEC or FINRA registration databases, which show that Sage operates as a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA). This designation legally binds us to uphold the fiduciary standard for every client relationship.
Who do you serve?
We proudly serve individuals, families, and small business owners in Wappingers Falls, Fishkill, Poughkeepsie, and across the Hudson Valley. We also work virtually with clients throughout the U.S. seeking transparent, fiduciary-based financial guidance.