Ultimately you are responsible for taking care of your financial future. Even if you choose to use a professional financial planner, broker, tax attorney, or another financial professional, you're responsible for the decisions you make. Now of course any professional that you hire or pay to manage or invest your money is responsible for carrying out your exact wishes (in other words, they're not free to do anything they want with your money), and for adhering to strict ethical standards. But you'll be the one hiring people, paying fees, and signing documents to make investments. It's your money and your decisions, professionals are people you hire to help you create and implement your financial decisions.