Costs and compensation
Ask how advisory, product, transaction, subscription, and other costs are disclosed and calculated.
Independent perspectiveA second opinion without
A second opinion without
a forced decision.
You can compare fees, planning scope, communication, and approach while keeping your current relationship and accounts in place.
What to compare
A useful second opinion is specific
Services and responsibilities
Compare what is included, who performs each task, and how frequently planning is revisited.
Communication and process
Discuss meeting cadence, decision explanations, follow-up, and what happens during market or life changes.
Retirement planning fit
Explore how the advisor would approach your goals and account structure without treating one approach as universally better.
What to bring
Give the conversation enough context
Useful materials may include account statements, your current advisory agreement, fee disclosures, Form ADV or Form CRS when applicable, and a short list of unresolved questions.
You do not need to provide passwords or account credentials for a general second-opinion conversation.
Questions to leave with answers
- What services would be included?
- How would fees and conflicts be explained?
- Who would actually serve the relationship?
- What would change—and what might stay the same?
- What should be reviewed before any transfer?