Before your first meeting
Where are you today? Where do you want to be in 5, 10, or 25 years? Only you can decide what you want out of life. Give some thought to your dreams before meeting with an advisor by looking through the financial planning questions below, and you'll be one step closer to living your life on your terms. Also, you'll want to have an idea of your current financial picture and financial goals.
Here are some more questions to ask yourself. Think of them more as conversation starters than as a financial planning checklist.
- What do you hope to accomplish financially within the next year or two?
- How confident do you feel about where you are today? How confident do you feel about reaching your financial goals for the future?
- What level of risk are you most comfortable with?
- How involved do you want to be in investment decision-making?
- What are your top areas of financial concern today? Where can you use the most help?
- What do you most look forward to doing in the future? Who do you want to spend more time with? Where do you dream of going? Where do you see yourself living?
- How do you want to make your lasting mark?
Your financial goals
Before meeting with a financial advisor, it can be helpful to consider your short- and long-term financial goals.
Your current financial situation
Getting an accurate understanding of your current savings, debt and insurance options is a great first step in starting the financial planning process.