How to Prepare for First Financial Advisor Meeting
Meeting a financial advisor for the first time will be stress-free if the client prepares in advance. The advisor needs financial information in order to make recommendations to the client. The more information the client provides the easier it will be for the advisor to arrive at a financial solution.
- Go through your financial records and find your last two years of tax returns, or more if you have them. Make a copy of each page of the returns to save your financial advisor some time. If the advisor bills by the hour, making the copies yourself will also save you money.
- Make a copy of your most recent pay stub. The advisor will then be able to compare your current annual income with the income on your last two years of tax returns. Copy your spouse’s pay stub as well if you are married.
- Compile a list of your current debt obligations to give to the advisor. Include every creditor that you pay on a monthly basis. If you own your home, make a copy of your most recent mortgage statement and escrow account balance that the mortgage lender uses to pay your annual property taxes and homeowner’s insurance.
- Write down a list of your short and long-term investment goals for the advisor. You will have to answer these questions at the meeting, so if you prepare a written set of goals in advance you will save time. Remember to also make a copy of any investment account statements for the advisor.
- Call the advisor and ask if there is any other information you need to provide. Let the advisor know you are preparing ahead of time which will show you are serious about hiring the service for advice. Confirm your appointment date and time and keep all of your records together in a large envelope or folder until the meeting.