When you hire a financial advisor, you are entering a long-term relationship with a person who will know almost everything about your financial life. It is nearly impossible to know who to trust with your money especially when some financial advisors are only looking to line their pockets rather than offer the best investment advice. Hence the importance to carefully vet potential candidates. To protect yourself and your money, here are some essential questions to ask your financial advisor before making your next move.

What is Your Investment Approach and Philosophy?

There is not one accepted approach or philosophy when it comes to investment. Different professionals follow different approaches and philosophies. Ask the financial advisor to describe their approach and philosophy in simple terms that you can easily understand. An investment philosophy can be described as a set of guiding principles underlying the process of choosing an investment in a given situation. While they might not disclose their personal information, they might be willing to share the strategies they use to succeed, and they might use the same approach for your portfolio.

Are You Fiduciary?

Their answer to this question helps you know whether the potential financial advisor has your best interest at heart or not. A fiduciary financial advisor places the interest of their client before theirs. If they are fiduciary, they freely disclose their fees and how they are compensated. They also disclose potential conflicts of interest that might influence a client’s decision to use their services. A non-fiduciary financial advisor, on the other hand, might receive a commission for selling an investment that is not in your best interest and they will not disclose it to you. If they do not give a straight yes or no answer to this question, take it as a sign something is not right.

How Much Do You Charge for Your Services?

It is important to know your costs upfront because it can greatly influence your decision. Some financial advisors get paid a commission for selling a product, others get paid a fee while others charge a percentage of the assets under management. The answer to this question not only helps you know how much the service will cost you, but it will also help you determine if they have a hidden incentive to sell you a product. Most people prefer an advisor receiving a fee rather than a commission because they are likely to act in the client’s best interest rather than a salesperson.

What Services Do You Offer?

Every person has different needs, what might work for another person might not work for you. The answer to this question will help you make sure that the advisor aligns with your needs. Some financial advisors are just investment advisors, and they will only offer you advice on your investments. Therefore, they would not be the right fit for you if you are looking for comprehensive financial planning around tax planning, insurance, retirement and estate planning. Go with a professional who offers services that suit your unique needs.

How Do You Measure Success?

A financial advisor should be in a position to measure their success based on how the plan is progressing compared to goals that their clients set up. They should share how your portfolio is performing against a benchmark that depends on the client’s risk tolerance and their timeline. If the performance of your portfolio is slightly off track, they should be willing to work with you to come up with a strategy that will get it back on track.

By hiring a financial advisor, you are entrusting them with your money and the future represented by that money. Asking the above questions at the beginning of your relationship will help you decide if the potential advisor is one you want to work with.

Franklin Madison Advisors, Inc. (“FMA”), is a registered investment adviser firm with its registration and principal place of business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. FMA is in compliance with the current notice filing requirements imposed upon registered investment advisers by those states in which FMA maintains clients.

This commentary and forecasts are limited to the dissemination of general information pertaining to Franklin Madison Advisors’ investment advisory services and general economic and market conditions and are subject to change without notice. The information contained herein is not intended to be personal, legal, investment or tax advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or engage in a particular investment strategy. For additional information about FMA, including fees and services, please contact FMA or refer to the Investment Adviser Public disclosures.

FMA may only transact business in those states in which it is notice filed or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from notice filing requirements. Any subsequent, direct communication by FMA with a prospective client shall be conducted by a representative that is either registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration in the state where the prospective client resides. For additional information about FMA, including fees and services, please contact FMA or refer to the Investment Adviser Public disclosures. Please read the disclosure statement carefully before you invest or send money.