Because your future deserves more than a sales pitch.
When you’re at a stage in life where you’re actively building wealth—through career growth, equity compensation, business ownership, or strategic investments—you don’t need a salesperson. You need a financial partner.
A true advisor.
But how do you know if the person sitting across the table—or on the other side of a Zoom screen—is the right fit? Asking the right questions can reveal a lot. This guide walks you through what to ask, what to listen for, and what should send you running.
Why It’s Crucial to “Interview” Your Financial Advisor
Think about it—when you hire an attorney, accountant, or even a contractor, you vet them first. Choosing the right financial planner is no different. They’ll have access to your life’s most intimate details—your income, goals, fears, family dynamics, and even your legacy.
A good financial advisor will welcome your questions and address them thoroughly. If someone gets defensive, vague, or evasive? You’ve already learned what you need to know.
The Fiduciary Checklist: Step One in Due Diligence
Before you dive into interview questions, use this fiduciary checklist to separate planners from commissioned salespeople.
✔️ Are they a fee-only fiduciary 100% of the time?
✔️ Do they refuse commissions from third-party product sales?
✔️ Will they put their fiduciary duty in writing?
Fee-only fiduciaries are legally obligated to act in your best interest—at all times. Fee-based and commission-based advisors can prioritize their interests, even if they conflict with yours.
10 Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor Before You Hire Them
These aren’t just formalities. Each one reveals how the advisor thinks—and where their priorities lie.
1. Are You a Fiduciary at All Times?
This is a critical question. If the answer isn’t a clear, unequivocal yes, they might only operate as a fiduciary under limited circumstances—or not at all.
✅ What to listen for: “Yes, I am a fee-only fiduciary, and I act in my clients’ best interests 100% of the time.”
🚩 What to avoid: “Well, it depends on the product,” or “We follow the suitability standard.” (That’s the legal minimum.)
2. How Are You Compensated?
Advisors are typically paid one of three ways:
- Fee-only (flat rate, hourly, or % of assets under management)
- Fee-based (hybrid, with some commissions)
- Commission-only (paid when they sell a product)
If an advisor makes more money when you choose one product over another, that’s a conflict of interest.
✅ You want: Total transparency—no commissions, no incentives to steer you into products.
🚩 Avoid: “It’s complicated” or vague hand-waving.
3. Who Do You Typically Work With?
You want someone who understands your circumstances. If you’re a high-income professional or business owner, your financial circumstances are different from someone nearing retirement on a pension.
✅ Look for: “Many of our clients are in their peak earning years—professionals, business owners, and independent accumulators looking to grow and preserve wealth.”
🚩 Avoid: “We work with anyone and everyone.” That usually means they don’t specialize.
4. What Services Do You Offer Beyond Investing?
Investments are just one piece of the puzzle. A comprehensive financial planner should also address:
- Tax strategies
- Risk management
- Estate and legacy planning
- Retirement income strategies
- Business succession planning
- Charitable giving
✅ Look for: A multi-disciplinary approach with proactive planning touchpoints.
🚩 Avoid: A pitch that starts and ends with a product sale.
5. What’s Your Investment Philosophy?
Do they believe in a long-term disciplined strategy or short-term bets? Can they explain their approach to risk and navigating market conditions in a way that makes sense?
✅ Look for: A disciplined, evidence-based investment strategy (think: diversification, low costs, tax-efficiency).
🚩 Avoid: Anyone who promises to “beat the market” or talks more about hot stocks than your goals.
6. How Do You Incorporate Tax Strategy into Your Planning?
Building wealth efficiently and effectively means considering the impact of taxes. While financial advisors do not provide tax advice, experienced advisors collaborate with CPAs and incorporate tax-aware strategies such as:
- Tax-loss harvesting
- Asset allocation decisions
- Strategic timing of income and distributions
✅ Look for: An advisor who proactively works with your CPA or tax professional to better align your financial and tax planning
🚩 Avoid: A disconnected approach where investment decisions are made in isolation from tax implications
7. What does a financial plan look like?
This gives you a look behind the curtain. A meaningful financial plan should include:
- A clear list of goals and priorities
- Investment and tax strategy recommendations
- Insurance review
- Scenario planning (e.g., early retirement, career changes, market downturns)
✅ You want a plan that feels like your life, not a cookie-cutter PDF.
8. How Often Will We Meet or Communicate?
You’re hiring a long-term partner. You should feel supported—not abandoned.
✅ Look for: “We review plans quarterly, check in during life events, and are available year-round.”
🚩 Avoid: A once-a-year meeting and a generic email newsletter.
9. Will You Work with My Attorney or CPA?
Good planning doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Fiduciary advisors work alongside your other professionals to coordinate strategy across legal and tax fronts.
10. What Happens If You Leave or Retire?
This one’s often overlooked—but important. You want to know there’s a continuity plan.
✅ Look for: “We’re part of a team-based firm, so you’re never dependent on one person.”
🚩 Avoid: Siloed practices with no clear team structure.
Bonus: Questions You Should Be Asking Yourself, Too
- Do I feel heard and respected?
- Is this advisor helping me better understand financial planning and investing—or confusing me on purpose?
- Do I feel like a partner in the process, or a target?
Trust matters. If you’re uneasy now, it most likely won’t get better.
Why Clients Choose Smith Bruer
At Smith Bruer, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all planning. We are fee-only fiduciaries, partnering with clients who are committed to building, preserving, and stewarding wealth—on their terms.
We bring:
- A full-service, conflict-free approach
- Tax-managed investments
- Advanced planning for business owners and professionals
- Ongoing support and relationship-driven advising
If you’re ready to stop guessing—and start planning—we’re here to help.
📩 Ready to explore a better approach to financial planning?
Start the Conversation → https://smithbruer.com/contact/
Or explore how we’re different: The Fee-Only Fiduciary Difference
Serving Clients Locally and Nationwide
Smith Bruer proudly serves clients in Tallahassee, Colorado Springs, and across the country. Whether you prefer in-person meetings or virtual guidance, our fiduciary advisors are here to support your long-term financial goals with clarity and confidence.
