Is It Worth It?

Six years ago, just before my wedding, I set a goal – one that many people have at that time in their lives, I suppose: to lose some extra weight, get leaner, and build more muscle. Like most people, I already knew what to do—I just wasn’t doing it. So, I hired a personal trainer.

That choice came at a cost. Not just in dollars, but in sweat, time, and effort. I was at the gym at 5:30 AM, three days a week. The workouts were harder, longer, and more intense than anything I had ever done. My trainer did not just push me to my limits—he pushed me past them. I still remember my first session: I threw up, but I made it through.

But over time, I got stronger. I saw real progress, I felt better in my own skin, and my confidence grew.

Now, could I have done the same routine on my own? Absolutely. Thousands of free workout plans are available online. I could have followed one and saved the money—especially helpful since weddings are not cheap. But the truth is that I wouldn’t have stuck with it.

A personal trainer’s real value is not just the workout plan, it’s discipline. Without someone waiting for me at the gym, I would not have shown up at 5:30 AM each morning. Without someone pushing me, I would not have hit my limits, let alone passed them. Without accountability, my workouts would have been ok —but not great.

The same is true for a financial advisor.

Studies from top industry sources like Vanguard, Morningstar, and others show that working with an advisor can add 1.5% to 3% in net returns per year. But here’s what’s fascinating: the biggest driver of that value is not an exciting investment strategy. It isn’t Roth conversions, rebalancing, or asset location—even though those things can help.

It’s discipline.

According to Vanguard, 1.5%, or about half of an advisor’s value comes in the form of behavioral coaching. Just like my trainer got me out of bed, an advisor keeps you on track. They help you “trim the financial fat,” make a plan and stick to it, and make sure your strategy is consistently updated through life’s seasons. Could you Google an investment strategy? Sure. And it might even look similar to what an advisor recommends. But what you would be missing is the discipline to stay invested in both good and bad markets, rebalance regularly and systematically, and stick to a long-term plan when emotions and headlines tempt you off course.

I have seen single planning strategies add six figures in value in one move. Those moments are powerful but infrequent. The truth is that real financial success doesn’t happen overnight. Like fitness, it is built through consistent, disciplined execution.

The best athletes have coaches. The most successful investors have advisors. Not because they don’t know what to do—but because they know the power of accountability. Studies show that the value of discipline often far exceeds the fee you pay.

So, is it worth it?

If you want real results—the kind that compound over time—the answer is yes.

David Faskas CFA, CFP® is the Chief Investment Officer, Chief Financial Planning Officer, and a managing member of Keller Wealth Advisors.

Published in the Victoria Advocate.