Don't Hire a Financial Advisor Until You Ask These 6 Questions | Jonathan Wellum

Summary

• Jonathan Wellum outlines six non-negotiable questions investors must ask before hiring a financial advisor to ensure alignment, transparency, and performance.
• A critical distinction is whether the advisor acts as a fiduciary 100% of the time or is incentivized to push in-house proprietary products over superior third-party options.
• Investors must demand full transparency on "all-in" costs, distinguishing between the advisor's management fee and the buried expense ratios of the underlying funds or portfolios.
• Beyond stock picking, the value proposition of an advisor should include comprehensive financial planning, tax planning, and budgeting to ensure clients do not outlive their money.
• Establishing communication expectations (frequency and medium, such as Zoom vs. in-person) upfront is essential for a successful long-term advisory relationship.