Questions to ask a financial planner

1. How long have you been providing financial planning services?
2. In what area(s) of financial planning do you specialize, if any?
3. Do you have any advanced degrees, certificates or financial planning credentials?
4. What securities and insurance licenses do you hold?
5. How often have you performed similar services in the past?
6. What type of financial planning service do you think I need based on my goals?
7. On average, how long have your financial planning clients used your services?
8. What independent organizations may I contact to verify your credentials, such as FINRA, the SEC, and the CFP Board?
9. How are you compensated for your services?
10. Which companies will custody my accounts and what are their financial situations?

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