Know Your Investment Objectives
Identifying your objectives will help you select an advisor who is in tune with your ultimate goals and personal preferences.
These are the kinds of things an advisor will want to know:
What are your investment goals?
What are you working toward? Is it a comfortable retirement? Or are you planning to leave a specific legacy to someone? Do you have philanthropic or charitable goals?
What is your Risk Tolerance?
How much fluctuation in value can you tolerate in exchange for the opportunity to earn above average returns?
What is your Time Horizon?
When, if at all, will you need to withdraw money from your investments?
What are your Income Needs?
Do you need current income from your portfolio? How much? If not immediately, when will you need income?
What is your tax situation?
Does your tax situation require a tax efficient approach or strategy?
What are your other assets?
Do you have significant wealth tied up in real estate or other illiquid assets?
What are your other financial, legal or tax needs?
Do you have complex estate planning needs, or needs related to trusts and related wealth transfers, executive compensation or stock options, risk management or small business succession planning?