What is a fiduciary financial advisor, and is Patten Financial Group one?

Yes — as fiduciaries through our affiliation with Redhawk Wealth Advisors, Inc. (an SEC-registered Investment Adviser), we are legally required to act in your best interest at all times. We put your interests above our own, avoid conflicts of interest, disclose any potential issues, and provide accurate, thorough advice.

How do you get paid, and are you fee-only?

We operate as a fee-based fiduciary firm with transparent compensation focused on your success. This structure helps minimize conflicts and aligns our interests with yours, so you always know how and what you're being charged.

I'm not happy with my current financial advisor or wirehouse. How do I know if it's time to switch?

Common signs include: you rarely hear from your advisor outside of account statements, you're not sure exactly what you're being charged or why, your portfolio hasn't been reviewed against your current goals in over a year, you've been passed between different advisors at the same firm, or you feel like a number rather than a relationship. If any of that sounds familiar, a complimentary second-opinion conversation can help you see where you stand — with no obligation to move anything.

What's the difference between a fiduciary advisor and a wirehouse broker?

A fiduciary is legally required to act in your best interest at all times. Many wirehouse brokers, by contrast, are held only to a 'suitability' standard, meaning a recommendation only has to be reasonable for your general situation — not necessarily the best available option — and may be influenced by commissions or proprietary products. As fiduciaries, we don't have that conflict: our recommendations are based on what's best for you, and our fees are transparent.

Do you work with high-net-worth individuals, executives, and business owners?

Yes. A significant part of our practice is dedicated to executives, business owners, and pre-retirees and retirees with more complex financial pictures — including concentrated stock positions, equity compensation, business succession and exit planning, tax strategy, and estate planning coordination alongside retirement income planning.

Is switching financial advisors complicated?

It's more straightforward than most people expect. In most cases, assets transfer directly between custodians without you needing to liquidate anything, and we handle the paperwork alongside you. We'll walk you through exactly what to expect before you decide to move forward.

Insure Your Love Month: How Life Insurance Shows Your Love In the Unexpected

Feb 5

Written By Aaron Patten

February is Insure Your Love Month—a special time each year when we get to think about love in a really meaningful way. Coordinated by Life Happens, a nonprofit focused on helping everyday people understand financial planning topics like life insurance, this month lines up perfectly with Valentine’s Day. The big idea? For so many of us, the main reason to even think about life insurance comes down to the people we care about most—wanting to make sure they’re okay financially if something unexpected happens.

It’s all about turning love into something practical and lasting. Life Happens puts it beautifully: getting life insurance to protect your loved ones is a real way to say “I love you” and actually mean it—it’s love put into action.

What Insure Your Love Month Is Really About

This campaign isn’t about pushing products or making big promises. It’s simply here to spark conversations and share straightforward info so families can feel more prepared. Life Happens reminds us that life insurance often starts from a place of love and responsibility—planning ahead for spouses, kids, parents, or anyone who counts on you.

They share real stories from families who’ve gone through tough times and seen firsthand how having that planning made a huge difference, helping cover bills, keep the home stable, or just ease some of the stress during grief.

Some Basic Things to Know About Life Insurance

Life insurance is a financial tool that pays out a death benefit (usually a lump sum) to the people you choose if you pass away. Under current rules, that payout is generally income-tax free to your beneficiaries.

Here are a few common points that come up a lot during this month:

The money can help with everyday living costs, debts like a mortgage, college for the kids, or final expenses—basically helping keep things steady for your family.
A lot of folks think it’s way more expensive than it actually is. For many healthy people, certain types (like term life) can cost less than a daily coffee habit, though prices depend on things like age, health, and how much coverage you’re looking at.
Surveys show tons of Americans feel underinsured or don’t have any coverage at all—often because of myths like “I’m too young” or “It’s too pricey.”
There are different kinds out there: term life covers you for a set number of years, while permanent options offer coverage for life and sometimes build cash value (but specifics vary by policy).

The goal is just awareness—so you can think about your own situation without any pressure.

Love and Planning for the Unexpected Go Hand in Hand

February gives us that extra nudge to reflect on the people who matter most. Insure Your Love Month ties right into that by showing how planning ahead financially can be one of the deepest ways to show you care—making sure your family has options no matter what comes next.

It’s not about fear; it’s about peace of mind and taking care of each other.

A Simple Way to Learn More This Month

If this resonates, February is a great time to check out some neutral resources. Life Happens has tons of free, easy-to-read info on their site to help you get the basics. Talking it over with your spouse or family can turn it into a positive conversation about your shared future.

Knowledge really does help. Taking a little time to understand this stuff is one small step toward feeling more confident about protecting what matters most. 💙

Resources for Further Reading

Life Happens Official Homepage – Educational resources on life insurance and campaign messaging: https://lifehappens.org/
Life Happens About Us Page – Details on the organization’s mission and coordination of Insure Your Love Month: https://lifehappens.org/about-us
Life Happens Research: For Love and Money – Insights related to relationships and financial protection discussions: https://lifehappens.org/research/for-love-and-money
NAIFA (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors) on Insure Your Love Month – Overview of the campaign’s educational purpose: https://at.naifa.org/life-happens-and-naifa-life-insurance-is-love-insurance

Investment advisory services offered through Redhawk Wealth Advisors, Inc., an SEC

Registered Investment Advisor. SEC Registration does not imply any level of skill or

understanding. Redhawk Wealth Advisors and Patten Financial Group are unaffiliated and

separate legal entities.

Aaron Patten

Insure Your Love Month: How Life Insurance Shows Your Love In the Unexpected

Patten Financial Group

Location

Contact

Insure Your Love Month: How Life Insurance Shows Your Love In the Unexpected

Mid-February Tax Moves: Maximize 2026 Opportunities Before It’s Too Late

Understanding Executive Bonus Plans: A Tool for Rewarding Key Talent

Patten Financial Group

Location

Contact