Mechanics and Marriages Get Second Chances —Why Not Financial Advice?
Why a Bad Experience Shouldn’t Be the End
Have you ever had a bad experience with a mechanic?
Maybe the customer service was terrible, or you’ve dealt with a mechanic who overcharged you, didn’t fix the problem, or made you feel clueless for not knowing your car’s exact specs… other than its colour.
What did you do? You likely didn’t go back to them. Instead, you found someone else.
The same goes for marriage!
Some of us (me included!) don’t get it right the first time. But plenty of people get married again, and sometimes even a third time.
So why is financial advice any different?
Sworn Off Financial Advice? You’re Not Alone
I’ve heard it so many times: "I had a bad experience with a financial adviser, so I’ll never go back."
But we don’t treat other industries that way:
We don’t stop going to mechanics just because one was dodgy.
We don’t avoid banks altogether because of one bad experience.
We certainly don’t skip doctors because we didn’t like the first one.
So why is financial advice treated differently?
Finding the Right Fit Takes Time
The truth is, finding the right financial adviser (or financial help in general) is like finding the right mechanic or partner. It’s about alignment—someone who understands your needs, communicates well, and offers solutions that suit you.
Every adviser is different. While they all work under the same rules and regulations, their approaches, personalities, and fee structures vary. The first adviser you meet might not be the one for you, and that’s OK. Maybe a traditional financial adviser isn’t even what you need right now. Perhaps:
A financial coach can help with day-to-day money habits.
A great finance book or podcast can provide guidance.
A strategy session is enough to get you moving in the right direction.
It’s not about finding a perfect fit on the first try—it’s about not giving up until you do.
Financial Advice Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Here’s the thing: you might not even need a traditional financial adviser. Maybe what you’re looking for is:
A financial coach who helps with day-to-day money management.
A great finance book or podcast to guide your next steps.
A one-off strategy session rather than ongoing advice.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. What matters is finding the right kind of support for where you are now—and where you want to go.
Give It Another Shot
Don’t let a bad past experience hold you back. Just like you’d try another mechanic, bank, or doctor, give financial help another go. Your future self—and your finances—will thank you.
If you’re not sure where to start, I’m here to help. Reach out for a chat- I’d love to help you find the right fit.