A decision to get information from an advisory firm isn't a decision to change anything - it is a decision to ask questions and determine if there are things being overlooked or that need to be addressed.
Elect to go through a formal process to unveil potential problems, pitfalls, options for remedy, and opportunities for improvement before you are committed.
From the advisory firm you choose, get a list of items the advisory firm needs for financial, tax, and estate planning. There shouldn’t be any questionnaire to complete; just a list of documents the advisor will need to assess your current financial situation. Put them in a stack, check them off the list, and bring them with you to the next meeting.
The advisor will determine where you are, financially, help you understand, what might happen, what you hope would happen, and what could happen if everything is left as it is.
Make sure the firm presents you with options, not recommendations. Options, such as:
Leave everything as it is
Revise everything to maximize future opportunities
Something in between
Ask your advisor for “strategies” related to those things you want to improve.
Ongoing monitoring including reviews at least annually
There should never be a cost for an initial consultation.
