Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor

Get to know your financial advisor.

Whether you’re meeting with a financial advisor for the first time ever, or interviewing a potentially new advisor – it’s important to have an open dialogue. They expect hard questions. You expect professional and understanding answers. Here’s a quick sample of questions you could ask of any pro, including our team here at TFCU Financial Advisors.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

1. What is your relevant experience, including your licenses, education and other qualifications?
2. How long have you been in practice, and in what areas do you specialize?
3. How do you keep yourself informed of the markets, economy and areas of retirement planning?
4. As a financial professional, do you have any disciplinary history?

INVESTMENTS  & COMPENSATION

1. What is your investment philosophy?
2. How will you choose investments you recommend to me?
3. What products and services might you recommend to me?
4. How are you compensated?
5. How might your conflicts of interest affect me and how will you address them?

MAKING A PLAN & COMMUNICATIONS

1. How will you help me assess my goals?
2. Do you work with other professionals like estate planning attorneys or CPAs?
3. Will you give me a written plan?
4. Who is my primary contact person?
5. How do you monitor and update me on my plan performance?