Understand the relationship
before you begin.
Ask about services, capacity, compensation, communication, and what happens next.
How are you compensated?
Compensation depends on the services and products involved. Ask your professional to explain all applicable fees, commissions, expenses, and potential conflicts before proceeding.
Are you acting as a fiduciary?
Ask your professional to explain the capacity in which they are acting for each service and the standards and disclosures that apply. Advisory, brokerage, and insurance capacities can differ.
What is included in financial planning?
The scope depends on your engagement. Discuss which areas are included, the recommendations or deliverables to expect, and any separate service arrangements.
Will I work with the same professional?
Discuss who will be your primary contact, who supports the relationship, and when other professionals may be involved.
How often will we meet?
Ask your professional about the review schedule for your engagement and how to request an additional conversation when circumstances change.
How do you coordinate with my CPA or attorney?
With your permission, we can participate in coordinated conversations. Your CPA and attorney remain responsible for tax and legal advice.
What happens after the initial plan?
Discuss the actions you choose to pursue, implementation responsibilities, and the review process applicable to your relationship.
How are major life changes handled?
Contact the team when family, income, career, business, health, or retirement circumstances change so you can discuss the effect on your priorities.
What technology is used?
Ask about the tools approved for your relationship and their access requirements. Ordinary email is not the appropriate route for sensitive documents or passwords.
Do you serve business owners?
Business planning conversations can connect company priorities to personal finances and involve your legal, tax, and other specialists where appropriate.
