5 Things to Look For When Hiring a Financial AdvisoR
Finding the right financial advisor is one of the most important financial planning decisions you’ll ever make—and one where some due diligence pays big dividends. In a recent interview with Authority Magazine, I had the chance to walk through the five must-have qualities you should seek in a financial advisor (and what red flags to watch for), drawing directly from my experience as a fiduciary and certified financial planner.
First: Expertise that fits your real needs. Don’t get caught up in “alphabet soup” after an advisor’s name—those credentials only matter if they align with your situation, whether it’s retirement planning, tax strategies, or charitable giving. Ask prospective advisors why they earned their designations and how those skills translate to helping someone just like you.
Second: A commitment to lifelong learning. The best advisors are always growing—keeping up with the industry, proactively sharing new insights, and bringing clients along for the ride. In an ever-changing wealth management environment, you want someone who is current, curious, and adaptive, not someone stuck in the methods of yesterday.
Third: Emotional intelligence and true stewardship. Great advisors don’t just sell products—they guide you through life’s ups and downs with empathy and perspective. Look for those who ask open-ended questions about your fears, values, and aspirations—not those who pounce on your anxiety with a quick product pitch. A fiduciary advisor should be your guide and guardrail, not a salesperson chasing the next commission.
Fourth: A real, evidence-based value proposition. I encourage clients to understand not just “alpha” (investment returns), but also the “gamma”—the value of informed advice, tax planning, and behavioral coaching. The right advisor brings more than just portfolio management; they coach you through volatility, help you minimize mistakes, and keep your plan on track.
Fifth: Low self-orientation and high trust. Trust is the foundation. Steer clear of advisors who talk more than they listen, make it all about themselves, or seem distracted and self-promoting. Use Charles Green’s “trust equation”—credibility, reliability, and intimacy divided by self-orientation—to inform your decision.
The truth is, you don’t need to be ultra-wealthy to benefit from independent financial advice. In fact, those with tighter margins can gain more from a thoughtful, holistic partnership. And above all: Know what success means to you. Whether it’s sleep-at-night confidence, a well-funded retirement, or the ability to give generously to causes you care about, having an advisor who listens, personalizes, and builds trust can make all the difference.
If you’re in the process of hiring a financial advisor and want to dig deeper into these five pillars—or want a resource for evaluating your options—let’s connect. As a fee-only, certified financial planner, my passion is helping clients enjoy clarity, confidence, and a sense of partnership for every stage of their financial journey.