How do financial advisors charge?
Common fee structures include assets-under-management fees, hourly or project fees, commissions, or combinations of these. Ask for a written explanation of all fees, account expenses, and potential commissions before engaging an advisor.
What should I look for in a financial advisor?
Match the advisor's specialty to your need—for example, retirement income, business succession, college planning, or estate coordination. Also ask about credentials, services provided, conflicts of interest, and whether the advisor is accepting new clients.
How can I check a financial advisor's registration?
Use FINRA BrokerCheck for broker records and the SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure database for registered investment advisers. Insurance-related licenses are handled separately from investment registrations.
What should I bring to a first financial-planning meeting?
Bring recent investment and retirement-account statements, income and spending information, insurance policies, tax returns, debts, estate documents, and a list of your goals and time horizons.