[Cecil Terwilliger]

Ok with all due respect to the advisors on CP, let's not pretend like everyone who is an independent advisor is free from ripping off customers.

In fact, because they tend to have a lot less oversight and are commission based, you may find they have more incentive to rip people off. Places like Investor's Group have been known for years to engage in slimy dishonest high pressure sales tactics.

Bank staff have traditionally been more like shopping at best buy. Their staff are getting paid no matter what and tend lack knowledge.

But independent advisors, like Edward Jones, Investors Group and the like, are the Future Shop/Visions. It is totally buyer beware. You may get A+ service or you may get totally ripped off.

The problem with the current model is that bank staff are being pushed into the world of scummy places that engage in high pressure sales tactics for the sake of $$$. Pretty soon you won't even be able to get the mediocre generic investment advice that banks have been known for.