Questions for Financial Advisors

We're working on a new podcast based on a simple format - we'll interview financial advisors to better understand their thoughts about liability management.

As we learned from Stephen Covey - 'seek to understand before you seek to be understood'.

That said, I'm often asked what questions might I ask a financial advisor. While we have a formal interview format we use for CLAs, here are 10 Questions worth asking if you are talking to a new financial advisor and want to get to know them better:

1. What is your approach to financial planning?

2. How do you determine what investment strategies are suitable for your clients?

3. How do you stay up-to-date on the latest financial products and strategies?

4. Can you provide examples of how you have helped your clients achieve their savings goals?

5. How do you work with clients to develop a financial plan that meets their needs and long term goals?

6. What are your qualifications and experience in the financial industry?

7. How do you ensure that your clients' financial information is kept confidential and secure?

8. How do you incorporate borrowing and cash flow into your client conversations?

9. How do you charge for your services, and what is included in your fees?

10. How do you include real estate as part of the overall financial planning process with your clients?

TIP: You don't have to ask these all at once, but you'll want to know the answer to these as you build a relationship.