How does Dcider protect my privacy?

Your decisions are stored securely in our database with encryption. We never sell your data or share it with third parties. The AI analysis happens on secure servers and isn't used to train AI models. You can delete your account and all data at any time from the app settings.

How much does Dcider cost?

Dcider offers a 7-day free trial with full access to all features. After that, it's $4.99/month or $44.99/year (25% off). The free trial doesn't require a credit card to start.

How is this different from a pros and cons list?

Traditional pros/cons lists treat all factors equally and rely on your in-the-moment thinking. Dcider weighs options against your pre-defined personal values, providing an objective alignment score. The AI also surfaces considerations you might miss and tracks patterns across all your decisions over time.

Does the AI make decisions for me?

No. Dcider provides analysis and alignment scores, but you always make the final choice. Think of it as a thinking partner that helps you see how options align with what you've said matters to you. The goal is clarity, not automation.

Can I use Dcider offline?

You can view your decision history and values offline. However, AI-powered analysis requires an internet connection since it's processed on secure cloud servers.

What kind of decisions is Dcider best for?

Dcider works great for career choices, financial decisions, relationship questions, health and lifestyle changes, and any decision where you want to align your choice with your personal values. It's especially helpful when you're overthinking or facing analysis paralysis.

How do I set up my values?

When you first open the app, you'll go through a quick onboarding where you select values that matter to you (like health, family, growth, financial security) and rate their importance. You can always adjust these later in Settings.

Is Dcider available on Android?

Currently, Dcider is iOS-only. We're focused on making the iOS experience great first. Android support may come in the future based on demand.

FinanceUpdated Jan 2026

Should I Hire a Financial Advisor? A Values-Based Decision Framework

Your finances are getting complicated—or you just don't want to deal with them yourself. But you've heard horror stories about bad advisors charging high fees for poor performance. You're trying to decide if professional help is worth it or if you should just DIY.

Key Takeaway

This decision is fundamentally about Expertise vs. Time and Attention. Your choice will also impact your trust.

The Core Values at Stake

This decision touches on several fundamental values that may be in tension with each other:

Expertise

Your need for professional knowledge in complex areas like taxes, estate planning, and investment strategy.

Time and Attention

Your willingness to manage your own finances vs. delegating to someone else. Consider whether your time is better spent elsewhere.

Trust

Your ability to find and trust someone with your financial life. The industry has conflicts of interest you need to navigate.

Cost Consciousness

Your sensitivity to fees that can significantly impact long-term wealth. Advisor costs vary dramatically.

Accountability

Your benefit from having someone keep you on track. Some people make better decisions with an advisor relationship.

5 Key Questions to Ask Yourself

Before making this decision, work through these questions honestly:

1What specific financial questions or needs am I trying to address?
2Am I willing to learn enough to manage my own finances, or would I rather delegate?
3Do I have enough assets to warrant ongoing advice, or do I need one-time planning?
4Can I find and vet a fiduciary advisor who puts my interests first?
5What would I expect an advisor to do that I can't do myself?

Key Considerations

As you weigh this decision, keep these important factors in mind:

Your financial complexity (simple vs. complex tax situation, estate needs)

Your wealth level (some advisors have minimums, fees matter more at lower levels)

Your interest in managing your own finances

Types of advisors (fee-only fiduciary vs. commission-based)

Specific needs (investment management, tax planning, estate planning)

The value of behavioral coaching (preventing panic selling)

Alternatives like robo-advisors or one-time planning sessions

Watch Out For: Authority Bias

We tend to trust 'experts' and credentials without scrutiny. Many financial advisors are salespeople incentivized to recommend products that pay them commissions. Always verify that any advisor is a fiduciary legally bound to act in your interest, not just sound trustworthy.

Make This Decision With Clarity

Don't just guess. Use Dcider to calculate your alignment score and make decisions that truly reflect your values.

Download on the App Store

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a financial advisor?

Maybe. You might benefit if: you have complex tax or estate situations, you're approaching major life transitions, you struggle with investment behavior during volatility, or you simply don't want to manage it yourself. If your finances are straightforward and you're disciplined, DIY with low-cost index funds works well.

What is a fiduciary financial advisor?

A fiduciary is legally obligated to act in your best interest. Many 'advisors' are actually salespeople with no such obligation. Always ask: 'Are you a fiduciary at all times?' Get it in writing. Fee-only advisors who don't earn commissions are most likely to be true fiduciaries.

How much does a financial advisor cost?

Common structures: 1% of assets annually (expensive long-term), hourly fees ($150-400/hour), flat fees ($1,000-5,000/year), or commission-based (hidden costs). A 1% fee on $1M costs $10,000/year and compounds over time. Compare value against cost carefully.

What questions should I ask a financial advisor?

Key questions: Are you a fiduciary at all times? How are you compensated (and are there any commissions)? What are your qualifications (CFP is the gold standard)? Can you provide references? What is your investment philosophy? How often will we meet?

Related Decisions

Should I Invest or Save?

You've accumulated some money and face the eternal question: keep it safe in savings or put it to work in the market? The fear of losing money battles the fear of missing out on growth. You want to make a smart choice but feel overwhelmed by options.

Should I Retire Early?

The FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement promises escape from work decades before traditional retirement. But you wonder if you've truly saved enough, whether you'd be bored without work, and if retiring in your 40s or 50s is irresponsible or inspired.

Should I Start a Budget?

You know you should budget, but the idea feels restrictive, overwhelming, or like admitting you're bad with money. Past budgeting attempts may have failed, leaving you skeptical that this time would be different. Yet you're tired of wondering where your money goes.

People Also Considered

Similar decisions in other areas of life:

Delete Social Media Quit My Job Move to a New City

Sources

Fama, E. F., & French, K. R. (2010). Luck versus Skill in the Cross-Section of Mutual Fund Returns. The Journal of Finance.
Kinniry, F., et al. (2014). Putting a value on your value: Quantifying Vanguard Advisor's Alpha. Vanguard Research.

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