After more than two decades at one of the largest brokerage firms in the country, Alex Williams made a decision that surprised many of his colleagues and clients: he left Edward Jones to start his own independent financial advisory practice.
It wasn’t a reaction to a single event. It was the result of years spent watching a system that prioritized firm-level metrics over individual client outcomes. For Alex, the question wasn’t whether he could keep doing what he was doing — it was whether he should.
What Prompted the Move
Alex spent 25 years at Edward Jones building relationships with retirees, families, and professionals across the Lacey and Olympia, Washington area. During that time, he earned his CFP® designation, led teams, and helped hundreds of families navigate retirement planning, investment management, and estate strategies.
But over time, he noticed something that didn’t sit right. The advice he was expected to offer was increasingly shaped by firm requirements rather than client needs. Product recommendations, account minimums, and one-size-fits-all models made it difficult to deliver the kind of personalized, fiduciary-first guidance his clients deserved.
The Difference Between a Broker and an Independent Fiduciary
At a traditional brokerage like Edward Jones, advisors operate under a suitability standard — meaning a recommendation only needs to be “suitable” for the client, not necessarily in their best interest. Compensation structures, proprietary products, and firm-level goals can all influence the advice clients receive.
As an independent fiduciary with LPL Financial, Alex is legally obligated to act in his clients’ best interest at all times. There are no proprietary products to push, no firm-mandated investment models, and no pressure to prioritize revenue over outcomes.
This distinction matters. It changes the dynamic from “what can I sell?” to “what does this client actually need?”
Building Stable Wealth
Stable Wealth was founded on a simple premise: financial planning should be personal, adaptive, and driven entirely by what matters to the client — not the firm.
Alex and his team work with individuals, families, and professionals who have $500K–$5M+ in investable assets and are navigating retirement, business transitions, or the growing complexity that comes with protecting and growing wealth over time.
With offices in Lacey, Washington and Wellington, Florida, Stable Wealth serves clients locally and nationwide. The firm intentionally limits the number of client relationships it takes on — ensuring every family gets the attention, expertise, and ongoing guidance they deserve.
Hear the Full Story
Alex recently sat down with Corey Walen on the Firm Transitions Podcast to share the full story — from the moments that shaped his decision, to what the transition looked like from the inside, to how independence has changed the way he works with clients.
Watch the full episode on YouTube or visit our podcast page for a summary of key takeaways.
Considering a Change?
If you’re currently working with a large firm and wondering whether your advisor’s recommendations truly reflect your best interest, you’re not alone. Many of the families Stable Wealth serves today came from similar situations — and found that independent, fiduciary planning gave them more clarity, more flexibility, and more confidence in their financial future.
A 15-minute introductory call is the simplest way to explore whether Stable Wealth might be the right fit. No preparation required, and no sales pressure.
Phone: (360) 455-3799 | Email: info@stablewealth.com | Schedule a Call
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