Interview Question Builder

Ask the right questions.

Select the planning areas relevant to your situation. We’ll generate a personalized set of interview questions to ask each financial advisor candidate.

Select your planning areas

12 questions selected

General / Getting Started

Credentials & Background

  • What certifications do you hold, and are they current?
  • How long have you been providing financial planning services?
  • How many clients do you currently serve, and what is your ideal client profile?
  • Will I be working directly with you, or will I be passed to an associate?

Fiduciary & Ethics

  • Are you willing to act as a fiduciary and put that in writing?
  • Are you fee-only, fee-based, or commission-based? Please explain all sources of your compensation.
  • Have you ever been disciplined by a regulatory body? May I check your record on BrokerCheck?
  • Do you or your firm receive any third-party compensation, referral fees, or revenue sharing?

Services & Process

  • What does your financial planning process look like from start to finish?
  • Will I receive a written, comprehensive financial plan?
  • How often will we meet, and how do you prefer to communicate?
  • What technology or client portal do you provide?

Tips for a Successful Interview

  • Interview at least three advisors before making a decision.
  • Take notes during each interview so you can compare later.
  • Ask the same core questions to every candidate for fair comparison.
  • Request references from clients in similar situations.
  • Trust your instincts about personal fit — but verify with facts.
  • Use our Evaluation Scorecard to score each candidate immediately after the interview.