time financial advisor consultation, often called a “onetime checkup,” provides an opportunity to address specific financial concerns without committing to ongoing services.
How to prepare for a meeting with your Financial Advisor List your assets and liabilities. Outline your income and expenses. Write down your goals. Consider the needs of your family. Understand your financial strengths and weaknesses. Get your financial documents in order. Prepare a list of questions to ask your advisor.
Take the time to examine which model best fits your client's needs, and document that examination in your notes. Client contact. Another requirement of the safe harbor is that each client be contacted at least annually to determine whether his or her financial situation and/or investment objectives have changed.
Look for financial planners who are fiduciaries, which means they have a legal duty to look out for your best interests. "If a 'financial planner' offers the same advice or products without tailoring their recommendations to your individual goals, that's a red flag," says Lawrence.