From first meetings to retirement planning, here’s how to talk to a financial advisor and feel confident doing it.
Whether you’re hiring a financial advisor for the first time, reassessing a current relationship, or getting serious about retirement, knowing what to ask — and how to ask it — can make all the difference. In a recent episode of the HerMoney Podcast, Jean Chatzky sat down with Pam Krueger, founder and CEO of Wealthramp, to role-play some of the most important money conversations you’ll ever have.
Here’s what to say, what to ask, and how to get the financial guidance you really need.
Walking Into Your First Meeting With A Financial Advisor? Say This
Jean Chatzky: If you’ve never worked with an advisor, you’re walking into that first meeting and want to make sure it’s a good fit —what are the very first questions you should ask?
Pam Krueger: Say: “I’d love to walk away from today’s initial conversation and be able to know if there is a potential fit here. So I’m hoping to cover three main things in this intro call that are really going to help me.”
And then say, “I would like you to know a little bit about me and my situation during this first meeting. I want you to have an idea of what it is I’m trying to accomplish by working with an advisor.”
Then, ask this:
- “Can you describe the types of clients you typically work with?”
- “Can you give me an example of how you help them?”
- “What does working together look like?”
Already Have an Advisor, But Not Sure It’s Working?
Jean Chatzky: This is someone who already has an advisor but isn’t sure it’s working. They’re not sure that this is the right relationship for them. They’re not vibing. Maybe they don’t feel heard, or maybe they do feel heard, but they’re not seeing the added value. What are the right questions to ask an advisor to make that assessment?
Pam Krueger: So what you really need to ask here is, “How are you, the advisor, measuring my success?”
I need the advisor to describe the value they think they’re adding to my life, because a good advisor should be talking to you about your goals, your peace of mind, and your retirement plan. The right advisor is going to talk to you about the things that matter to you, because that’s why you hired the advisor.
Looking For a Trusted Advisor? We’ve Got You
At HerMoney, we’ve partnered with Wealthramp to help our readers find vetted, fee-only fiduciary advisors who work only for you. No commissions. No hidden agendas. Just smart, ethical advice.
MORE ON HERMONEY:
- 5 Questions To Ask A Financial Advisor Before You Consider Working With Them
- An Inside Look: How the Right Financial Advisor Brings Clarity and Confidence
- Money Talks: How to Have Better Financial Conversations With Partners, Parents & Yourself
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