It's not you, It's me.
Never easy letting clients go. Had to tell a bunch this year that I would no longer be handling their financial planning. After years of working together towards their goals I had to let them know to find someone else. Some of these clients are in their 80's and really don't want to deal with someone new. Seniors get taken advantage of far to often and they all have heard horror stories so it makes it hard for them to trust new people.
Good that you picked up the phone and let everyone know what was going on. Much better then just dropping them without any communication. You never want to burn a bridge that one day you just might have to cross again.
Yours is an example of exactly why one should never fully turn their futures over to a stranger. It is important to know how every dime is 'invested'. If you can't say I want this, not that; and rely on someone else toying with your hard-earned dollars, then may I suggest gaining the knowledge, before an unsuspecting Madoff crosses your path.
Peace.
Most people really don't know enough to manage their own investments. They know what they are good at and there is no way they will take the time required to understand the markets. For many people it's smarter to pay someone with expertise to take care of their retirement. The key is finding someone with a good track record and that takes the time to understand your needs.
There are some very good financial advisors out there, but there are also plenty of bad ones. Just need to take your time and interview multiple and ask really good questions. Understanding how they are paid is very important as you want to make sure they are giving advise that actually is in your best interest vs earning them the highest commission.
Thankfully, we live in the internet age; and, at the click of a button learn ALL the important questions to ask...including how they are paid.
I suggest recording the interview to process at a later time, away from the 'sell'. Gut instinct is huge. If a red flag pings, walk away.
Peace.