5. Sells Products Not Service

A corollary to the commissions versus fees issue: Clients tell us that their advisor promotes products with high fees, which doesn’t feel right.

Does your advisor talk about investment products first or only, rather than taking time to understand your financial needs and risk tolerance?

Your advisor should work with you to provide strategic and tactical advice specific to you and outline the pros and cons of different decisions based on your financial situation.

Does it always seem like your advisor is trying to sell you something?