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Top Financial Advisers in Auckland

Picking the right Auckland-based Financial Adviser is very important. Our guide explains how to find one, what you will pay, the questions to ask, as well as listing our top options.
Updated 9 June 2026

This guide walks you through what a Financial Adviser is, who uses them and how they are paid, along with some tips on what to ask them should you decide to meet with one. We've listed what we consider to be the top financial advisers in Auckland. 

This guide covers:
Disclaimer: The inclusion of any financial adviser on MoneyHub is not financial advice in any form, and our list below is not a recommendation. The exclusion of any financial adviser from our list does not suggest their service is inferior to those included - our guide is journalistic in nature. Please undertake your own research and due diligence before contacting and/or investing with any Auckland financial adviser. 

More information: We now publish and update Mary Holm's original Financial Adviser list (exclusive to MoneyHub)
Christopher Walsh, MoneyHub's Founder and Head of Research, shares his views on financial advisers:

"I'm often asked about my view on financial advisers. Of course, I can't and won't comment on anyone individually. However, I respond by proposing one question:
  • Did the financial adviser suggest putting your money with many different managers and asset classes (e.g. a diversified investment)? Or did they want to tip all your money into one fund/fund manager and then send you 'updates'?
  • If it's the latter, I would ask them to explain why they're not following a diversified approach (as outlined by the FMA). They may say the funds are "diversified" but how do you know?
  • Many financial advisers are fantastic and provide a valuable service. But with any profession, some underperform. I've seen it all in my career - expensive, poor-performing funds and investments structured in somewhat of a 'heads I win, tails you lose' way that always seems to disadvantage the investors. 
  • Whatever you decide to do with your money, remember - diversification protects you from a single investment going wrong and losing a significant percentage (or even all) of your money.

Important: Please ask how the financial adviser is being paid. You'll need to read what they send you and ensure you understand it. For example, are you paying them a percentage of your investment yearly? Or are the people they invest your money with paying them? The distinction is important.

This list of Auckland financial advisers is published as a starting point to assist your search - it's not a definitive list by any means. We wish you the best of luck and ask you to remember that no one cares about your money more than you. If something doesn't feel right or you're uncomfortable, you're under no obligation to proceed.

Investment needs to be free of emotion - even if you have a great relationship with a financial adviser, your money is the number one priority, and you must be careful with who gets to invest it".
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder

What is a Financial Adviser?

Financial Advisers are professionals who advise on financial planning, insurance, investing and other financial services. They are qualified and usually (but not always) members of Financial Advice New Zealand or similar professional organisations.

Know this first:
  • There are a range of Auckland financial advisers available, but some are aligned with a limited number of funds and investments (e.g. products) from certain companies, while others have a wide range of products which they consider when recommending financial advice.
  • It is important you ask the question at the beginning of the process about the depth and variety of the range of products and providers which they consider in the process of giving advice.
  • Throughout your life, you're likely to make different investments and buy different financial products at different times. The purpose of a financial adviser is to help you make the right decision about what investments and products are best for you.

Who Uses a Financial Adviser?

While data is difficult to find, it is reasonable to believe that most Financial Adviser clients tend to be 40+ years of age with a healthy amount of money to invest. Younger New Zealanders are unlikely to seek out Financial Advisers, focusing instead on KiwiSaver contributions, buying a house and investing in bank products and/or managed funds as primary investment options.

When do I need to use a Financial Adviser?

If you are considering investing in complicated financial products and need advice, a Financial Adviser may be familiar with what you are looking at. Financial Advisers working in Auckland usually provide guidance for the following:
  • Investments and Retirement Planning: Managed funds and investment trusts 
  • Insurance: Personal and business insurance
  • KiwiSaver: Selecting the right provider, switching to a more suitable scheme and contribution consultation 
  • Financial Planning for all ages and stages of life

How much does a Financial Adviser cost, and how are they paid?

​It depends on the adviser. Three models are common in New Zealand:
  1. Fee-only: You pay the adviser directly. There is no commission from product providers. This is often charged as an upfront planning fee (around $1,000 to $10,000+ depending on the complexity of your investing needs), an ongoing percentage of funds under advice (typically 0.5% to 1.3% per year, dropping as your portfolio grows), or an hourly rate (around $300 to $400 plus GST). Fee-only is the cleanest model because the adviser is paid by you, not by the products they recommend.
  2. Commission-based: The adviser is paid by the product provider, not by you. The meeting is free, and the adviser earns a trail commission on your investment. This can be as high as 0.5% on investments, with insurance commissions often higher. The cost is built into the product fees you pay over time, so while the adviser meeting is free, the cost to you is not zero.
  3. Hybrid: A mix of both. Most advisers charge a planning fee, an ongoing percentage on investments, and earn commission on certain funds, insurance and mortgages.

Important - the numbers matter. On a $500,000 portfolio, a 0.5% annual fee costs $2,500. A 1.5% fee costs $7,500. Over 20 years, that gap may compound into around $200,000 of lost wealth.

Before working with any financial adviser, always ask:
  • How are you paid?
  • What will I pay in year one in dollars?
  • What will I pay each year after that?
  • Do you earn more from some products than others?

Know This: Every adviser must give you a disclosure document before advising you - make sure you read it and understand what it means. ​

Warning - You may not be advised on the most cost-effective investment available in the market. However, you can expect them to select the right product for your circumstances.

How do I find a Financial Adviser?

  • First of all, talk to your family and friends and ask them if they have used a Financial Adviser in your area. This is a good starting point and make sure to ask about their experience (good or bad).
  • ​It is likely you will want to see more options, and Financial Advice New Zealand (previously the Institute of Financial Advisers) lets you search by region for a local Financial Adviser.
  • Following that, Googling "Financial Adviser (and the name of your location)" is a great place to start - be sure to look for Google Reviews of any adviser you shortlist. 
  • Our list below has a selection of trusted Auckland-based Financial Advisers. 

What questions should I ask a Financial Adviser?

The New Zealand Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has a must-read list. We suggest printing it off and going through it, line by line. While this is a complete list of questions to ask and consider, we recommend always asking for an explanation if you don't understand something when meeting with a Financial Adviser. Generally, the FMA's list covers:
  1. How do I know what you’re recommending is the best option for me?
  2. What are the risks of this investment?
  3. What will I pay?
  4. What information will I receive about my investments?
  5. How can I get my money back?

​More information: We now publish and update Mary Holm's original Financial Adviser list (exclusive to MoneyHub)

Understanding What You're Investing In

Not all investments are the same. Managed funds and shares are generally liquid - meaning you can access your money relatively quickly. However, some financial advisers may recommend illiquid or private investments such as property syndicates, retirement village trusts, forestry schemes, or private equity. These can carry higher risk and may restrict your ability to withdraw funds for extended periods.
​
Before investing, always ask your adviser:
  • What exactly will my money be invested in?
  • Can I get my money back when I need it, and how quickly?
  • Is the investment scheme independently supervised with a licensed custodian?
  • What are the lock-up periods or restrictions on withdrawals?
  • What happens if the fund manager or adviser goes out of business?

Know This: The difference between a regulated managed fund with an independent custodian and supervisor and an illiquid private investment is significant - make sure you understand which you are being offered.
MoneyHub Verified Auckland Financial Advisers
  • Our research highlighted three leading Auckland financial advisers who have completed the MoneyHub Verified process.
  • We suggest contacting Lighthouse Financial, The Private Office and Stuart Carlyon - all three have demonstrated transparent fee structures, qualified advisers and a commitment to diversified investment approaches.
  • A financial adviser can help you make sense of your investment options, plan for retirement and ensure your money is working as hard as possible - contacting one is the best way to start.

Advertising Disclosure: Lighthouse Financial, The Private Office and Stuart Carlyon appearing on this list have accepted MoneyHub's invitation for enhanced promotion, and pay for this service. MoneyHub Verified does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of investment performance. MoneyHub accepts no responsibility for any loss arising from engaging with any financial adviser listed on this page. Always read a firm's disclosure statement and conduct your own due diligence before proceeding.

Three Verified Auckland Financial Advisers

The three financial advisers listed below are MoneyHub Verified. This means they have completed our verification process, providing evidence of their regulatory status, fee structure, adviser qualifications, investment approach and dispute resolution membership. MoneyHub Verified advisers are featured in our weekly email newsletters, cross-linked on multiple MoneyHub guides, and are our first point of referral when readers contact us directly asking for a list of financial advisers to consider.

What Does MoneyHub Verified Mean?
MoneyHub Verified confirms that a financial advisory firm has provided MoneyHub with evidence that it:
MoneyHub Verified does not constitute a recommendation, endorsement, or guarantee of investment performance. MoneyHub has not audited the investment returns, portfolio decisions, or suitability of advice provided by any verified firm. Being verified does not mean a firm will deliver positive investment outcomes or that their advice is suitable for your personal circumstances.

MoneyHub Verified status is reviewed annually and may be withdrawn at any time at MoneyHub's sole discretion. You should always conduct your own due diligence, read the firm's disclosure statement, and satisfy yourself that any financial adviser you engage is appropriate for your needs.

More details about financial advisers are available on these helpful websites:

Lighthouse Financial (Auckland CBD)

​Service offered: Lighthouse Financial offers holistic financial planning; services include goal setting, budgeting, debt repayment, KiwiSaver, investments, property, and insurance. Lighthouse Financial offers independent investment research.
  • Advisers: James Blair, Jess Hargreaves, Ash Solly, Callum Gilmour and Euan Jones.
  • Fees: Initial discovery call is free of charge, following that Lighthouse offer a range of plans with adjusted pricing based on the assistance you require these options are clearly mapped out on their website.
  • Insights: Lighthouse Financial's approach puts your goals first. Before giving advice, their team takes the time to understand what matters most to you. 
  • More details: Read our Lighthouse Review

Address: Level 10, 23 Customs Street East, Auckland City
Phone: 09 320 4947
Website: lighthousefinancial.co.nz

The Private Office (Auckland CBD)

Services offered:
  • The Private Office is a truly independent financial advice business.  They work with successful individuals and families who want a disciplined and structured approach to their personal finances.
  • Clients include business owners, executives, professionals, entertainers, migrants and people who have come into sudden money.  Their services include long term financial planning, investment planning, portfolio management, KiwiSaver, UK and Australian Pension Transfers and Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) portfolios.

Advisers:
  • A small team – their profiles and work history can be found here

Fees: 
  • A one-off fee for the construction of an overall financial strategy based on the time and complexity involved.
  • A monitoring fee (based on the portfolio size). This fee is deducted monthly at an annual rate from your portfolio’s cash account.
  • Ongoing administration and custodial fees are also charged, as well as specific fees for specific KiwiSaver funds investment programs.

Insights:
  • The advisers publish regular blog posts which comment on wealth management, financial planning and investment strategies, as well as behavioural economics.

Contact Details:

Stuart Carlyon

​Services Offered:
  • Stuart Carlyon offers clients a financial planning service; their service starts by listening to you and preparing a clear plan that will help you achieve your goals and give you peace of mind. They take the time to get to know you and your overall situation. 
  • Stuart Carlyon provides a boutique, fee-based service coordinated with investment, tax and legal specialists.
 
Advisers:
  • The team is listed on their website and each hold either the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) qualification.
 
Fees:
  • An initial consultation involves a meeting to discuss your present situation and what you hope to achieve. Financial plans reflect the scope of the advice required and the complexity of your situation. They provide a plan fee estimate in an engagement letter after the first meeting.
  • For investment portfolio clients, they charge a retainer fee which covers investment monitoring, administration and reporting; general financial advice services; and liaising with other professionals such as accountants and solicitors.
 
Insights:
  • The advisers publish regular newsletters focused on money and life.
 
Contact Details:

Alternative Auckland Options

MoneyHub Verified is a paid programme with specific verification requirements (as outlined above). The advisers below are not part of the Verified programme but are included as part of our editorial coverage of the Auckland market. All advisers operating in New Zealand are required to hold a FAP licence and provide a disclosure document.

Important: The list below does not constitute financial advice. When looking for a financial adviser, remember that all registered financial advisers are listed on the Financial Markets Authority website. Being qualified does not guarantee results:
  • Former Dunedin financial adviser Barry Kloogh was an authorised financial adviser. He was also running a ponzi scheme.
  • Ross Asset Management is another example of financial advisory gone wrong. When this happens, investors are the people who lose the most.
  • While almost every authorised financial adviser is a professional in every sense, you must always understand what you're investing in and make sure you understand the documents sent.
  • MoneyHub routinely receives complaints about certain 'independent financial advisers' who pitch the idea of investing 100% of someone's money into one fund or fund manager. Such a suggestion seemingly disregards the basic principles of investment diversification. We're not impressed.

Strategic Wealth Management (Auckland CBD)

  • Services offered: Financial Planning, Investment Management, KiwiSaver and Australian Super
  • Advisers: A small dedicated team, all following their prescribed 10-step investment philosophy
  • ​Fees: Strategic Wealth Management states "we aim for full transparency regarding the fees, costs and risks associated with investing" (but you'll need to contact them to find out what fees you'll pay.
  • Insights: The adviser team publish regular blog posts with financial market commentary
  • ​Address: Level 4, MasterCard House, 136 Customs Street West, Auckland 1010
  • Phone number: (09) 213 3310
  • Website: swmgroup.co.nz

Quartz Wealth (Takapuna)

  • Services offered: Private wealth is the focus
  • Advisers: A small dedicated team
  • ​Fees: Quartz Wealth states that they "charge an annual fixed fee for the service level that you choose, and a reduced percentage based fee on any investment products you need". This means you'll pay an annual fee for their service, and an ongoing fee which is a percentage of your total investment. How much this is will depend on what assets you invest into.
  • ​​Address: Level 3‚ 159 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna Auckland 0622
  • Phone number: (09) 486 9785
  • Website: quartzwealth.co.nz
  • Email: [email protected]

FoundHer

FoundHer is a financial planning practice for women and couples who want their money decisions to reflect their values, goals, and life priorities. They combine behavioural insights with practical financial planning to create strategies that are clear, actionable, and human. Their services are delivered with clarity, empathy, and a focus on both financial and emotional outcomes.

Services offered:
  • Financial planning
  • Investment guidance
  • Account system setup
  • Cashflow and spending frameworks
  • Goal alignment work

Fees:
  • Five-session Financial Planning package: $3,333
  • One-off, 2-hour Strategy Session: $597
    Flat-fee, no commissions, no minimum investment required

Adviser: FoundHer was founded by Zara, a licensed Financial Adviser with a background in small business accounting and corporate financial planning. She ran KiwiSaver education programs and money workshops for women, which inspired her to create a space where financial advice feels approachable, honest, and emotionally intelligent.

Zara is active on LinkedIn, publishing her newsletter Net Worthy Enough, raw reflections on money, identity, and women’s wealth. Learn more about her approach on her About page.

Insights:
FoundHer’s content focuses on values-led financial planning, money psychology, and building financial confidence, helping clients understand not just the numbers, but their relationship with money and the decisions they make around it.

Contact Details:

Axiome Consultants (Devonport)

Services offered:
  • Independent Financial Advice – Axiome provides independent financial advice and wealth management services, helping individuals, families, trusts, and business owners plan for the future, manage their wealth, and optimise tax outcomes.
  • Holistic Financial Planning – Goal setting, budgeting, debt management, and cashflow planning.
  • Investment & Portfolio Management – Evidence-based strategies for long-term growth and risk management.
  • Retirement & Pension Planning – KiwiSaver, Australian Super, and QROPS UK pension transfer guidance.
  • Tax-Efficient Wealth Strategies – Structuring investments to maximise after-tax returns.
  • US Expat Support – Assistance with transferring US investments and managing cross-border tax obligations.

Advisors: The profiles for the Axiome investment team can be found here:  Investment team - Axiome

Fees:
  • Initial Consultation: An initial, no-obligation consultation is provided at no cost to discuss your current financial situation and your objectives.
  • Ongoing Fees: Ongoing advice and custodial fees are charged on a percentage basis and are tiered, reducing as your assets grow.
  • Fee-Only Advice: They operate on a fee-only basis and do not receive brokerage or commissions from investment providers. 

​Insights: The adviser team publish regular blog posts and quarterly updates with financial market commentary. 

Contact Details:
  • Address: Level 1, 6 Victoria Street, Devonport, Auckland 0624
  • Phone number: (09) 445 2134
  • Website: axiome.co.nz​

Saturn Advice (Auckland CBD)

Services Offered:
  • Saturn Advice provides independent, fee-only financial advice tailored to individuals, families, trustees, and business owners. Services include long-term financial planning, portfolio management, and UK Pension Transfers.
  • Their salaried advisers offer impartial guidance, free from commissions or affiliations with fund managers, focusing on disciplined wealth management to support clients’ financial goals.

Advisers:
The Auckland team consists of experienced advisers. Full profiles and work histories are available on the Saturn website.

Fees:
  • Ongoing advice fee: 1.05% p.a. (plus GST) on portfolios up to $500,000, 0.75% above $500,000, and 0.68% beyond $1 million, deducted monthly.
  • General advice: $350/hour (plus GST), based on complexity.
  • Additional costs (e.g., custodial fees, fund manager fees, brokerage) are disclosed upfront.
  • For Portfolio Superannuation Scheme members, Saturn Advice earns a portion of scheme fees, detailed at onboarding.
    Percentage-based fees exclude platform custody charges and may be tax-deductible (consult your tax adviser).

Insights: Saturn Advice shares regular updates on wealth management, financial planning, investment strategies, and market trends, including insights into behavioural economics.

Contact Details:

Become Wealth (Takapuna)

Service offered: Become Wealth is a privately owned financial advice and investment management firm and holds both a Financial Advice Provider licence and a Discretionary Investment Management Service (DIMS) licence. Because Become Wealth is free from institutional ownership or control, clients gain access to a broad range of options grounded in independent investment research. Services include investment management, financial planning, retirement planning, KiwiSaver, insurance, and mortgages.

Advisers: Vinessa Orsbourn, Nik Velkovski, Joseph Darby, Josh Copeland, Marcus Mannering, Hayden Mulholland, Jonny McNamee, and Andrew de Vine.

Fees: Initial consultation is free of charge with no obligation. Ongoing fees vary by service and portfolio size; details are outlined on the Become Wealth website.

More details: Read more about how Become Wealth works.
Address: 72 Taharoto Road, Takapuna, Auckland 0622
Phone: 0508 232 663
Website: become.nz

Rutherford Rede (Freemans Bay)

​Services Offered:
  • Rutherford Rede is a privately held practice that specialise in providing personalised financial planning and transparent, evidenced-based wealth management.
  • Established in 1992, they are one of the longest serving independent advice firms in New Zealand, and one of the few practices accredited by the Centre for Fiduciary Excellence (CEFEX) for following the standards of global best practice.
  • They have no financial relationships with investment providers, allowing them to offer truly independent advice, free from commercial conflicts of interest.  
  • They work with successful individuals and families, trusts, foundations, charities, and Iwi.
  • They offer specialist services in estate planning, UK and Australian pension transfers, tax efficient portfolio design, and socially responsible portfolios (SRI).
  • Rutherford Rede are signatories of United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI).

Advisers:
  • Rutherford Rede has a team of advisers with 100+ years of combined industry experience, supported by dedicated paraplanning and operations teams.  
  • Rutherford Rede holds a DIMS (Discretionary Investment Management Service) and FAP (Financial Advice Provider) license.

Fees:
  • Rutherford Rede charge an ongoing advice and monitoring percentage based fee that scales (reduces) as your assets grow.
  • Depending on circumstances and complexity, a one-off initial planning fee may be charged.

Insights:
Contact details:
  • ​Address: 91 College Hill, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011
  • Phone number: (09) 361 3670
  • Website: rutherfordrede.co.nz​
​MoneyHub Verified Auckland Financial Advisers
  • Our research highlighted three leading Auckland financial advisers who have completed the MoneyHub Verified process.
  • We suggest contacting Lighthouse Financial, The Private Office and Stuart Carlyon - all three have demonstrated transparent fee structures, qualified advisers and a commitment to diversified investment approaches.
  • A financial adviser can help you make sense of your investment options, plan for retirement and ensure your money is working as hard as possible - contacting one is the best way to start.

Advertising Disclosure: Lighthouse Financial, The Private Office and Stuart Carlyon appearing on this list have accepted MoneyHub's invitation for enhanced promotion, and pay for this service. MoneyHub Verified does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of investment performance. MoneyHub accepts no responsibility for any loss arising from engaging with any financial adviser listed on this page. Always read a firm's disclosure statement and conduct your own due diligence before proceeding.​

What Can I Do If I Got the Wrong Advice From a Financial Adviser?

If you feel you've been incorrectly advised, you have a right to complain. You cannot complain about the performance of an investment, only the way you were advised. Traditionally few people have done so, unsure and embarrassed by how the investment has turned out and then putting it down to experience.

The best approach is to complain to the Financial Adviser first - explain why you think the advice you received was wrong and collect as much paperwork and emails as you can find to support your argument. 

If you don't get a favourable response, you can complain to the Ombudsman service. The Financial Markets Authority and the NZ Government both set out excellent guides on who to complain to.

Remember, when it comes to investing, 'low risk' isn't the same as 'no risk'. 'Low risk' can still see you lose your money, and provided the Financial Adviser has explained this fact, there are no grounds for complaint. But if you were advised that a product you invested in could not lose money, and then you did, you have been incorrectly advised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our FAQs answer the essential questions that help you find a financial adviser who genuinely puts your wealth-building goals first - and avoid those who don't.

1. Finding and Choosing a Financial Adviser FAQs

How do I know if I need a financial adviser?

Consider consulting a financial adviser if you have complex investment decisions to make, significant assets to manage (over $50,000), need retirement planning beyond basic KiwiSaver, require insurance advice, or feel overwhelmed by financial options.

If you're just starting with basic investments, you might manage fine with self-directed research initially.

What's the difference between 'independent' and 'aligned' financial advisers?

Independent advisers can recommend products from any provider and aren't tied to specific companies. Aligned advisers work with a limited range of products from specific providers. Always ask upfront: "What range of products and providers do you consider when giving advice?" The broader the range, the more likely you'll get unbiased recommendations (and more suitable investment options).

Should I meet with multiple advisers before choosing one?

Absolutely. Meet with at least 2-3 advisers. Compare their approaches, fee structures, and how well they explain things. A good adviser will offer a free initial consultation and never pressure you to make a decision immediately. Trust your gut - if something feels off, keep looking.

2. Fees & Payment Structure FAQs

How much should I expect to pay a financial adviser?

Most advisers work by charging upfront fees, ongoing management fees and/or commission (0.25%-1.00%+ of your investment annually). We believe fee-only advisers often provide more unbiased advice since they're not incentivised to sell specific products.

If my adviser works on commission, does that mean their advice is biased?

Not necessarily, but it's a potential conflict of interest. Commission-based advisers earn money when you invest in certain products, which might influence their recommendations. Always ask "how are you paid?" and "do you receive higher commissions from some products?" Fee-only advisers eliminate this conflict.

Are expensive advisers better than cheaper ones?

Not automatically. Higher fees should reflect higher service levels, more expertise, or more comprehensive advice. What matters most is value - are you getting advice and service worth what you're paying? A cheaper adviser who provides excellent guidance is often preferable to an expensive one who doesn't understand your needs.

3. Investment Advice and Strategy FAQs

Should my adviser put all my money with one fund manager?

This is a red flag and, sadly, one we're alerted to by MoneyHub users asking us questions about such proposals from certain financial advisers (not listed on our resources).

Our view is simple: Any adviser suggesting that you put 100% of your money with one fund manager is ignoring basic diversification principles. Good advisers recommend spreading investments across different asset classes, managers, and sometimes even countries. If an adviser suggests concentrating everything in one place, ask them to explain why they're not following diversified investment principles.

How do I know if the investment advice I'm getting is any good?

Good advice should include
  1. Clear explanation of risks, diversified investment strategy, products that match your risk tolerance and timeframe, transparent fee disclosure, and regular portfolio reviews.
  2. Be wary if an adviser promises guaranteed returns, pushes complex products you don't understand or seems more interested in selling than listening.

What questions should I ask about any investment my adviser recommends?

Ask these five critical questions:
  1. What are the risks, and how could I lose money?
  2. What fees will I pay (both to you and the investment)?
  3. How does this fit my goals and risk tolerance?
  4. How liquid is this investment? How quickly can I access my money? Do I pay a fee to get my money back?
  5. What alternatives did you consider, and why is this the best option?

4. Ongoing Relationship Management FAQs

How often should I hear from my financial adviser?

At a minimum, expect annual reviews of your portfolio and financial plan. Many advisers provide quarterly updates and are available for questions between formal reviews. If you only hear from your adviser when they want to sell you something new, that's a problem. Good advisers proactively communicate about market changes affecting your investments.

When should I consider changing my financial adviser?

Consider changing advisers if a few of the following apply:
  • Your advisers don’t communicate with you regularly or don't return calls promptly
  • Your investments consistently underperform comparable alternatives
  • Your advisers push products you don't understand
  • Your advisers’ fees seem excessive for services provided
  • You feel you can’t trust your adviser

Your money is too important to stay with an adviser who isn't serving you well.

Can I negotiate fees with my financial adviser?

Fees are frequently negotiable, especially if you have substantial assets or are considering multiple advisers. Don't be afraid to ask: "Is there flexibility in your fee structure?" or "What would the fee be for a client with my portfolio size?" The worst they can say is that their prices are fixed.
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