When you walk into a financial advisor meeting, a scheduled discussion with a professional who guides your money decisions. Also known as financial planning session, it's supposed to be the moment your financial future gets clearer. But too often, it turns into a sales pitch disguised as advice. The truth? Not all advisors have your best interest in mind. Some push products that earn them commissions, not ones that fit your goals. You need to know what to look for before you sit down.
A good financial advisor, a professional who offers personalized guidance on saving, investing, and protecting wealth. Also known as wealth manager, it should start by asking about your life—not your portfolio. What are you saving for? When do you want to retire? Are you worried about medical bills, kids’ education, or leaving something behind? If they jump straight to recommending ETFs or annuities without this, walk away. The best advisors treat your money like a puzzle, not a product catalog. They connect your goals to your assets. That’s why posts here cover things like investment advice that actually works, how to compare brokers, and why trusts beat simple wills for most families. These aren’t abstract ideas—they’re tools you need to evaluate an advisor’s suggestions.
Don’t confuse a financial planning, a structured process to manage your income, expenses, savings, and investments toward long-term goals. Also known as personal financial strategy, it with a one-time checklist. Real planning looks at taxes, insurance, estate documents, and even how your job’s benefits fit into your retirement. That’s why we’ve written about things like Transfer on Death deeds versus trusts, how mortgage REITs can hurt your income, and why separating your emergency fund matters. These aren’t random topics—they’re all pieces of the same puzzle. If your advisor doesn’t mention any of these, they’re missing the big picture.
And don’t let fees slide. A good advisor should explain exactly how they’re paid—flat fee, hourly, or percentage of assets. If they’re vague, that’s a red flag. The best ones don’t just pick investments; they help you avoid costly mistakes. Like buying the wrong bond fund, or missing out on fractional shares because you thought you needed $10,000 to start. Or letting mobile malware steal your login because you didn’t know the risks. These aren’t hypotheticals. People lose real money because they trusted the wrong person.
What you’ll find below isn’t a list of advisors to hire. It’s a set of real, practical guides that give you the knowledge to ask better questions, spot bad advice, and make sure your next financial advisor meeting actually moves you forward—not just fills their calendar.
