Finding the
Right Financial Advisor
Finding the right financial advisor isn’t just about looking at degrees or certifications (even we get confused by all the letters!). The right advisor is going to be someone who truly understands you. Someone who you see a real connection with. Background and expertise are important, but just like in a relationship, if there is not a spark, your relationship will likely fizzle out.
You want an advisor who shares your values, understands your financial and personal dreams, and can guide you in a way that resonates with your lifestyle and goals. So how do you find the right financial advisor? Think of it as finding your perfect match. You want to be thoughtful about what you’re looking for and you want to look in the right places.
Look Beyond Their Credentials
When looking for a financial advisor, don’t just base your decision on their resume. Credentials and experience matter, but you want to look deeper than that. You should look for an advisor:
- You Trust: Trust is the foundation of any great relationship. According to Morningstar’s Voice of the Advisor report, 36% of investors ranked trust as the most important factor when selecting an advisor. This isn’t just about trusting their expertise—it’s about trusting their intentions. You need to feel secure that they’re putting your best interests first, not just selling products. A trustworthy advisor listens to your concerns, respects your boundaries, and works with transparency.
- Who Shares Your Vision: Your financial goals are personal, so it’s important to find an advisor who aligns with your long-term vision. Whether you want to build generational wealth or invest sustainably, find an advisor who plans for your priorities. They should do more than just understand your goals—they should be excited to help you achieve them.
- Who Speaks Your Language: You shouldn’t need a financial translator because your advisor should clearly communicate with you every step of the way. Whether you’re just beginning your financial journey or you’ve been managing investments for years, your advisor should be able to meet you where you are and help you grow from there.
- You’re Compatible With: Like any great partnership, compatibility with your advisor can significantly impact the success of your financial journey. Having similarities can help to build a stronger connection. Things like shared hobbies and interests, aligned communication styles and even pets can give you common ground to build your relationship on!
Ask the Right Questions
Building trust with your financial advisor starts on day one by asking the right questions. Think of the process like going on a first date but jumping right into financial values and goals. Gosh, imagine if all first dates started there. . . could save some heartbreaks!
By asking the right questions you get the chance to really get to know your future advisor, both as a professional and as a person. Ask open ended questions and listen to how they respond. Look for similarities to you and make sure what they are saying aligns with what your picture for your financial advisor relationship. Some questions you can ask are:
- What is your approach to financial planning for clients with similar goals and aspirations to mine?
- Can you tell me about a time you helped a client navigate a difficult financial situation?
- What’s your communication style and how often will we meet to review my financial plan?
Do They Make You Feel Comfortable?
Trust your gut! You know the feeling when you just click with? You want that same feeling of ease with your advisor. This is someone you’re going to trust with your financial future. Money is emotional so you need to feel comfortable sharing your goals, dreams, and even your worries. You need to be okay with being vulnerable with this person. An advisor isn’t just there to crunch numbers; they should feel like a partner who truly gets where you’re coming from and where you want to go. They should be your anchor, keeping you steady whatever financial waves come your way.
Ask yourself:
- Do I walk away from meetings feeling more informed and optimistic about my financial future?
- Are they helping me understand complex topics in a way that makes sense to me?
- Do they respect my input and give me the tools to make confident decisions?
Are They Listening?
The right advisor doesn’t just sit back and nod along as you speak—they actively engage. Are they genuinely hearing your ideas, concerns, and what matters to you, or are they just going through the motions? You want someone who listens, asks meaningful questions, and takes the time to understand your unique situation. This might involve exploring your current financial circumstances, understanding your short-term and long-term goals, and uncovering any underlying fears or aspirations you may have regarding your financial future. A good advisor tailors their advice to fit your needs, rather than offering cookie-cutter solutions. They remember key details about your life, and get to know you to inform their decisions for your money.
The Start Your Financial Journey
Choosing the right financial advisor is more than just a professional decision; it’s the beginning of a dynamic, empowering relationship. Look for an advisor who makes you feel at ease and excited for what’s in store for your financial future. Focusing on these traits will help you to discover the advisor you’ve been looking for who can guide you through your financial journey, making you feel confident, secure and empowered each step of the way!
Remember, finding “the one” is about forging a partnership that will support your long-term financial health and success. Find someone who inspires you, and let them help you unlock your full potential!
About Willow
Willow connects you with vetted financial advisors who truly understand the big moments in life—like buying a home, navigating career changes, or going through a divorce. It’s not just about finding an advisor, but about building a meaningful, long-term relationship with someone who gets your goals and challenges. Using a concierge matchmaking approach, Willow ensures you feel confident and empowered as you plan for whatever life throws your way, making financial advice feel less transactional and more like finding the right partner for your journey.
