There’s been a lot of buzz in the media lately about the high-pressure tactics some bankers say they’ve been forced to use in their day-to-day dealings with bank clients.

Of course, this isn’t news to many of us. In fact, we’ve become increasingly accustomed to this type of sales practice in our every day lives, and in almost every transactional relationship we’re in.

Think of that new bottle of shampoo after your haircut; the discount on an oil change with your tire rotation; or a better rate on your mortgage if you move all your business to the bank in question. A simple threat to leave a phone company, internet supplier, or credit card provider will usually result in offers of preferential services, speeds, or rates. Although we may wonder, in passing, why we hadn’t been offered those better options at the outset, it’s become so common we expect it.

Sometimes, though, we don’t need that thing we’re being offered. Even worse, sometimes that thing isn’t in our best interest at all.

As consumers we must remember that financial decisions – decisions that will have a lasting impact on our financial future – should never be treated like an impulse buy at the supermarket checkout. This is one of the key areas clients can find a huge difference between working with a fully-trained financial advisor and working with a staff member or advisor at their local bank. Often a bank employee will offer products to clients based on a perceived opportunity for a sale, and the only products they have access to are those created by their own institution. At the opposite end of the spectrum, independent financial advisors have access to the entire spectrum of products and services and it’s an absolute requirement that an independent financial advisor get to know every client, developing a complete understanding of each client’s current financial situation and goals, before offering any solutions.

If you have questions about a product or service you’ve been offered by any financial services provider, please talk to your Assante advisor. He or she will be able to explain the product in detail; whether it can be a benefit to you; how it fits into your overall financial plan; and if it will help you achieve your short and long-term goals.

The relationship you have with your Assante Advisor means they have a complete understanding of your goals and your needs, and their recommendations are based on critical assessment of all the factors you’ve disclosed to them. We’re here to help, providing the right products and services, specifically for you.