10 Questions to Ask when Hiring a Financial Advisor

Financial experts run the gamut from tax preparers to CPAs who can help you with a business, to people who specialize in things like drafting wills or advising you for retirement. Finding the right financial advisor can seem like you’re dating again. With all the questions and long-term goals, you’re looking for in a match. How do you find the right type of expert, ask the right questions, and get the help you need?

First, like in dating, you need to know what you’re looking for. Think about what you need and it will narrow your search. It’ll be easier to seek out a financial advisor once you have a title or type of business to seek out.  With easier access to more information than ever before, reading up on topics is a piece of cake (and common) for most of us. What are you looking to do? Start searching based on your needs, so you can develop your own list. Create your own list of questions specific to the service you need.

Next, ask around and look at websites and student loan refinancing reviews. There might already be a connection to someone—or many someones—in your network. Once you have an idea of what you want and the type of expert you’re looking for, consider asking these questions.

What are your qualifications?

Before you start talking to a financial pro, make sure you know what typical qualifications are. You don’t want to hire someone with the wrong education or training for what you need.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. the education requirements are a bachelor’s degree. The certifications and licenses required will be dependent on what the advisor is working on.

How much and what kind of experience do you have in this field?

It’s not necessarily a deal-breaker to have a greener financial pro. It is recommended to know whether your CPA has done the type of accounting you need, or if you are a financial advisor’s very first client!

What services do you provide?

Even if you’ve sought out a financial expert based on one need, it’s nice to know if they might be able to help you with further services down the road. Plus, websites aren’t always all-encompassing, so you might need some clarification before you start working together.

What are your fees? What is your fee structure?

Some experts take a percentage of the money you make, and others have services based on flat rates or monthly fees. Knowing how they get paid helps you understand what you’re paying for their services. Advisory HQ has a list of sample fee structures based on a recent report they created for financial advisors. The charts provided will give you an average reference as to what the typical costs are for management of assets and other financial management costs.

What are the total fees?

In addition to your contributions and the fees of your expert, there may be other fees you need to pay. For example, if you are advisor uses a mutual fund, there may be fees associated with that account that will be added to the advisor’s cost.  Ask what your all-in costs are and be aware of how even small fees can affect your overall outcome.

Are you a fiduciary?

A fiduciary works in your best interest. They have both, ethical and legal duties to act in the best interest of the party to whom assets are being managed. For example, shareholders, lawyers, and guardians are fiduciaries. The biggest difference between fiduciaries and other financial advisors, fiduciaries cannot act on their own interest. They cannot benefit personally from the management of assets while other financial advisors can.

What kinds of tools or guides do you have to help me?

Many financial experts can offer specialized tools or calculators. These tools will help you understand the financial potential of their services. Ask if they have more information or collateral they can send home with you for your own research and learning.

What services are available through your website or app?

Many millennials prefer to do tasks digitally. We want the ability to check on accounts 24/7 on our phone or computer. Knowing if there is an app or website that is available and mobile friendly is helpful when picking an expert.

How often should we meet or check in? What would our relationship be like?

When you first start a retirement plan you might not see much growth or movement for quite a while. Therefore, it’s likely won’t need to interface much with your expert. Once you have hired a financial pro, don’t be afraid to ask them some questions. You should be comfortable or checking in whenever you’d like to get their perspective. You could set up a yearly call about investments for a more regular update.

What kind of goals should I set?

You and your financial expert will want to have a conversation about why you’re looking for this product or service and what you hope to get out of it. He or she will help you understand if your desires are on point for what they can offer.

Finally, you want an expert who is a good fit. Some people have a special situation like owning their own business or freelancing. In that case, you’ll want a financial expert who understands your needs. You could want an advisor who cares more about educating clients versus someone who simply gives their opinion on what you should do.

Beyond that, you might have preferences that would be important to talk about during an interview. Many millennials have strong feelings about what causes to support. Did you know you can ask a financial advisor to ensure that your investments aren’t doing anything you wouldn’t agree with? For example, you can have a financial advisor invest in companies that are known for being socially or environmentally responsible only. You can also avoid investments that include controversial companies or those with values you don’t agree with.  It’s okay to shop around and find someone whose personality or experience fits best with you! It isn’t always a guaranteed marriage, but you have to start somewhere.

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