Free Resource · Bertram Financial
6 Questions to
Ask Any Advisor
Not all financial advisors are equal. Before trusting someone with your retirement, your estate, and your future — ask these six essential questions.
Inside the Guide
The questions that reveal everything
01
What do you specialize in?
Every advisor has areas of expertise — estate planning, risk-adjusted returns, retirement income, insurance. Knowing the difference protects you from getting a one-size-fits-most plan.
02
Who are your ideal clients?
No advisor can be everything to everyone. Understanding who they serve best — by life stage, values, or asset size — tells you whether you're truly a fit or just a number.
03
What is your process?
A great advisor's process starts with YOU — what you want, what you have, and what you need. If they haven't asked about your goals, that's a serious red flag.
04
How do you manage risk?
Life doesn't live on a spreadsheet. Market risk, inflation, taxes, income stability — your plan must be agile enough to adjust as laws change and markets shift.
05
How do you get paid?
Not all fees are transparent. Management fees, fund commissions, hidden charges — you deserve a clear picture of what you're paying and the full value you're receiving in return.
06
How do you communicate?
A great advisor's process starts with YOU — what you want, what you have, and what you need. If they haven't asked about your goals, that's a serious red flag.
Why It Matters
Your retirement deserves more than a cookie-cutter plan.
Someone nearing or in retirement has fundamentally different needs and requires different strategies than someone still in their accumulation years. The right questions reveal whether your advisor truly understands that.
Fullcircle planning around the pillars of life
608.987.1511
229 High Street, Mineral Point, WI 53565
We are an independent financial services firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of investment and insurance products to custom suit their needs and objectives.