Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor

Related questions

Is it rude to ask an advisor detailed questions about compensation?: No. Compensation and conflicts of interest are standard, expected topics of discussion when choosing a financial professional, and reputable advisors are generally prepared to answer clearly and in writing.
What if an advisor won't answer a question directly?: Treat vague or evasive answers, especially about compensation or standard of care, as useful information in themselves. You can also independently verify many of these facts through FINRA BrokerCheck or the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure database.
Should I ask about past investment performance?: You can ask how a strategy is designed and monitored, but be cautious of anyone who guarantees future returns or emphasizes past performance as if it predicts future results — past performance does not guarantee future results, and regulators specifically caution against relying on it.
How many advisors should I interview before deciding?: There's no fixed number, but interviewing at least two or three gives you a basis for comparison on fees, services and communication style rather than judging a single conversation in isolation.

Investor.gov — Working with an investment professional — U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
BrokerCheck — Research investment professionals and firms — Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
Relationship summaries (Form CRS) — U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Consumer tools and resources — Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

How to Choose a Financial Advisor
Choosing a financial advisor means checking credentials, understanding fee structures, and confirming a legal standard of care — not just liking someone in a first meeting.
Fiduciary vs. Financial Advisor: What's the Difference?
"Financial advisor" is not a regulated title, and not everyone using it owes you a fiduciary duty. Here's how registered investment advisers, broker-dealers, Regulation Best Interest, Form ADV and Form CRS fit together.
How Financial Advisor Fees Work
Financial advisors are paid in several different ways — assets under management, flat fees, hourly rates, subscriptions, commissions or a mix. Here's how each structure works and what it tends to mean for you.