Caveat Emptor

As I am writing this review (all my opinion) – particularly, if you are a man, remember that going through or contemplating a divorce will be one the most gut wrenching, betrayal invoking times of your life with vulnerable and neediness thrown in for good measure. You will be seeking help from wherever / whenever you can get it and leaning on friends and acquaintances will NOT be an exception. You WILL need professional help – at least an attorney – most likely a therapist, support group, or other forms of help to get you through this. It will be one of the bleakest times of your life. While you are searching around for local support groups - you come across VESTA Group and WOW this looks like the group of Professionals that will provide you with all you need. They provide free meetings with Real Estate people, lawyers, Divorce Coaches, mediators, etc. – very, very, good – professionals giving up their time to help those who sign-up for the meetings. Each of the professional disciplines are given access to the meetings to discuss what is going to happen in the divorce and how they may be able to help. You are able to discreetly ask questions and the pro’s are able to respond to your questions in a text-like manner. This sounds WONDERFUL – and for the most part – it is WONDERFUL and very pro-active support for you. I know with the build-up you are waiting for the “BUT” and there is a “BUT”. Realistically, what is happening here is a “Meet and Greet”. These professionals are GENEROUSLY giving up their evening hours to promote the services that they may offer to you during your divorce. It is actually a GREAT IDEA – you get to view and hear the advice of professionals and see them – in person (sort of – through Zoom). GREAT!! Unfortunately, we all have to keep in mind that they are trying to “soft sell” a service – which is inherent in what they are doing – and God bless them – they are donating their time in hopes of BOTH helping you and continuing their respectively business. So, let’s ask what are the Code of Ethics of the VESTA Group. The following is what I was sent;

“Vesta requires all participating professionals to adhere to ethical and professional standards, including confidentiality, professionalism, and compliance with applicable laws and licensing requirements.” Unfortunately, doesn’t specifically say a whole lot in my opinion.

You will have to keep in mind – as mentioned – you are vulnerable and need to continually remind yourself that these professionals are SELLING YOU A SERVICE AS A BUSINESS – that is their job. Can sound like a “Win-Win” situation. Have any of you - reading this- been to an Annuities free dinner or a Trust Explanation free dinner? Well that IS THE MODEL HERE (without the chicken or fish). Nothing wrong with promoting yourself with the soft sell – free conference – free ask questions - free listen – free to leave.

Remember – as all business transactions – particularly, if you are vulnerable – wanting to hear encouraging words – promises or accommodations; made verbally – over the phone are subject to the “Did I say that?” RULE – meaning – no matter how friendly, how inviting the deal seems – if it is NOT in writing – AGAIN, it IS SUBJECT TO “DID I SAY THAT?” RULE which means it is not binding or possibly, was never, realistically, achievable.

Unfortunately, ‘Caveat Emptor’