Choosing A Firm

• 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:
  1. Leave everything as it is
  2. Revise everything to maximize future opportunities
  3. 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.