Don’t Be Shy when interviewing financial advisors

This article appeared in the November 2017 edition of Nevillewood Living.

don't be shy when interviewing financial advisors

In our society, there is no shortage of providers of financial services and advice. Many are very pleasant to deal with, some are talented, a few of them are both. This landscape can make the process of choosing a financial advisor somewhat overwhelming, particularly for those with little or no experience in this area.

Of course, a referral from your CPA or attorney can be very valuable. Nowadays, however, asking your attorney or CPA for a referral will very likely result in three names given to you, leaving the rest of the interview process up to you. How do you decide among multiple candidates? 

One very helpful technique is to have a fixed set of questions that you can ask each candidate during each interview. In this way, you will create a "level field" that should enhance your ability to evaluate and compare the candidates. 

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask: 

  1. Why should I do business with you instead of a competitor?
  2. What is your investment philosophy?
  3. How do you define risk, and how do you manage it for clients? 
  4. Do you believe you can beat the market?
  5. How often do you trade?
  6. How are you compensated?
  7. After inflation, taxes and fees, what is a reasonable estimated return on my portfolio over the long term?
  8. Do you earn more to recommend certain products or services?
  9. Which professional credentials do you have, and what are their requirements?
  10. Do you focus solely on investment management, or do you also advise on taxes, estates and retirement, budgeting and debt management, and insurance? 

Do not be afraid of asking as many questions as you need to get: the information you require to make an informed decision. This will likely be one of the more important choices in your life, so this is not the time to be shy. Also be wary of advisors who balk at your questions. A good financial advisor will have nothing to hide and should welcome your inquiries. 

10 Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Financial Advisor

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

Previous Next