Hiring a Financial Advisor in DELCO: Why Local Matters
By: Dane Czaplicki
When it comes to money, most of us in Delaware County don’t just want an advisor—we want someone who gets it. Someone who knows what it’s like to raise a family here, to walk down State Street, to debate whether Zac’s, Charlie's, or Nifty Fifty’s has the better burger, shake, and fries. Someone who understands the push and pull of wanting to grow our financial security and stay rooted in community.
That’s the heart of why many DELCO families choose a local financial advisor over a national call center or faceless institution.
Local Roots, Real Relationships
A financial plan is more than numbers. It’s your home, your kids, your aging parents, your next chapter. Working with an advisor who lives and works here means you’re building with someone who knows the local tax landscape, the real estate market, and the rhythms of DELCO life. They’re not just managing dollars—they’re walking the same streets, raising families in the same schools, and navigating the same transitions.
Boutique vs. Big Firm
There’s no one right answer, but there are trade-offs:
Big Firms: National reach, recognizable brand, standardized processes. But also: bureaucracy, turnover, and sometimes the feeling of being just another account.
Boutique Firms: Smaller, more personal, often led by the owner. You’ll usually get direct access to the decision-makers, a flexible approach, and a relationship built on trust. The trade-off? They may not have the same name recognition—but they make up for it with high-touch service and accountability.
Think of it like dining out in DELCO: you can go to a chain restaurant, or you can go to a local spot where the owner knows your name and the menu is tailored to the community.
How Do You Pick the Right Advisor?
Here are a few questions to guide your choice:
Do they take time to understand your story—or just your numbers?
Are they fiduciaries (legally obligated to put your interests first)?
Do they offer holistic planning (risk, investments, tax, estate)—or only investment management?
How do they charge? (Flat fee, AUM, commission?)
Will they be there when life changes—career shifts, family transitions, inheritances, downsizing? (CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD - RESOURCE HOW TO PICK A FINANCIAL ADVISOR)
The best advisor for you isn’t necessarily the fanciest. It’s the one who aligns with your values, communicates clearly, and helps you make confident decisions.
DIY vs. Hiring an Advisor
Plenty of smart, successful families in DELCO manage their own finances. And truthfully? Many do a great job—until complexity catches up or until more important things in life take center stage.
DIY works when: you enjoy it, have the time, actually do it!, and your situation is straightforward.
Hiring an advisor helps when: your wealth grows, tax planning gets tricky, estate issues matter, desire a partner to move forward your agenda, or you simply want to offload the mental load so you can focus on what matters most.
It’s not about capability—it’s about capacity. Just like you could paint your own house, but sometimes it makes more sense to hire a pro so you can spend that time with your family (or cheering at a Friday night football game, Go Panthers (My kids), Raiders(My Parents and Jags(Me)).
The Next Step
Whether you’re doing it yourself, working with a big firm, or partnering with a boutique advisor, the most important step is this: be intentional. Your wealth is more than money—it’s the fuel for the life you want to live here in DELCO, while you are here and when you return.
At NextPhase DELCO, we believe in surrounding yourself with trusted local professionals who help you make that next step with clarity and confidence. Because the right financial decisions aren’t just about dollars—they’re about building a life of purpose, rooted right here in our community.
About the Author
Dane Czaplicki, CFA®
Dane Czaplicki is CEO of Members’ Wealth, a boutique wealth management firm that offers a comprehensive approach to serving individuals, families, business owners, and institutions. The firm’s goal is to preserve and grow its clients’ wealth to endure over time, while thoughtfully evolving its strategy to suit an ever-changing world. With over 20 years of wealth management experience, Dane and the Members' Wealth team thrive on bringing clarity and confidence to clients' unique situations. He believes everyone needs sound financial advice from someone whose interests are aligned with theirs, and is determined to put service before all else.
Dane received his MBA from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and his bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University. Outside work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, hiking and camping, reading, running, and playing with his dog. To learn more about Dane, connect with him on LinkedIn.
To get in touch with the Members’ Wealth team today, I invite you to email info@memberswealthllc.com or call (267) 367-5453.
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