10 key questions to ask prospective financial planners

CONSUMER NEWS RECALLS COMPLAINT FORM SCAM ALERTS
Small Claims Guide Class Actions Lemon Laws FAQ Newsletters Spanish

Complain about a product or service

- advertisement -

News & Advice

Compare Rates

Calculators

Rate Alerts | Glossary | Help

10 questions to ask prospective financial planners

By Jay MacDonald • Bankrate.com

You're searching for just the right financial planner and you've narrowed your list down. Now you go talk to them. In your preliminary interviews, to see if this is the right planner for you, be sure to ask at least these questions:

10 key questions

1. What experience do you have?

2. What are your qualifications?

3. What services do you offer?

4. What is your approach to financial planning?

5. Will you be the only person working with me?

6. How will I pay for your services?

7. How much do you typically charge?

8. Could anyone besides me benefit from your recommendations?

9. Have you ever been publicly disciplined for any unlawful or unethical actions in your professional career?

10. Can I have it in writing?

- advertisement -

(Source: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards)
Jay MacDonald is a contributing editor based in Mississippi.

Bankrate.com's corrections policy
-- Updated: Aug. 25, 2004

Create a news alert for "savings"

		RESOURCES
		Savings glossary
		More savings stories
		More investing stories

TOP SAVINGS STORIES

		Winners and losers: Certificates of deposit
		Winner or loser: Mortgage shopper
		Winner or loser: Home equity loans

Checking and Savings

Compare today's rates

NATIONAL OVERNIGHT AVERAGES

Interest checking	0.47%
MMA	0.47%
$10K MMA	0.54%


	RELATED CALCULATORS

How long will your savings last

How to reach a savings goal -- with scheduled payments

Watch your savings grow with regular deposits

VIEW ALL

BASICS SERIES

Checking Basics

Manage your account in a fee-friendly way.

Checking account types

ABCs of ATMs

What are all these fees?

Is online banking secure?

How safe is your bank?

- advertisement -

* Mortgage rate may include points. See rate tables for details. Click here.
* To see the definition of overnight averages click here.

Bankrate Privacy Policy


AUTOMOTIVE • Dealers • Manufacturers • Service • Extended Warranties • Lemon Laws • Recalls • Tires • Transporters FAMILY • Aging • Children, Parenting • Recalls • Dating • Education • Entertainment • Pets • Weddings	FINANCE • Annuities • Banks • Credit Cards • Debt Collection • Debt Counseling • Insurance • Investing • Loans • Mortgages • Payday Loans • Student Loans • Tax Prep HEALTH • Drugs, Pharmacies • Health Clubs • Hearing Care • Hospitals • Nursing Homes • Nutrition, Diets • Vision Care • Weight Loss	HOMEOWNERS & RENTERS • Appliances • Cookware • Furniture • Home Improvements • Lawn & Garden • Movers • Pools & Spas • Realtors, Rental Agents • Recalls • Utilities ELECTRONICS • Cable TV/DBS • Cameras • Cell Phones • Computers • Home Electronics • Internet Access • Local Phone Service • Long Distance • VoIP	SHOPPING • In-Home • Online • Retail Stores • Sporting Goods • Supermarkets • Telemarketers TRAVEL • Airlines • Bus Lines • Car Rental • Cruises • Hotels • Travel Agents • Trains RESOURCES • Class Actions • Complaint Form • Small Claims Guide • Lemon Laws	CONSUMER NEWS • Latest News • Automotive • Telecom • Financial • Health • Homeowners • Scams • Seniors • Travel • More ... RECALLS • Automotive • Children's Products • Drugs • Food • Household Products • Sporting Goods ABOUT US • FAQ • Privacy Policy • Advertise With Us • Newsroom • Syndication • Terms of Use

Terms of Use Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use

Advertisements on this site are placed and controlled by outside advertising networks. ConsumerAffairs.com does not evaluate or endorse the products and services advertised. See the FAQ for more information.

Company Response Welcome If complaints about your company appear on our site, we welcome your response. Please see the Response Form for more information.

For more information, see the FAQ and privacy policy. The information on this Web site is general in nature and is not intended as a substitute for competent legal advice. ConsumerAffairs.com Inc. makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information herein provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from the use thereof.