Yes. We believe that true financial planning is more than just a stock portfolio—it’s about your entire financial life. Our advice covers every major pillar of your wealth, including comprehensive insurance reviews, debt management strategies, Social Security optimization, and estate planning coordination.
Consumers should conduct a thorough "diagnostic" when interviewing a financial professional to ensure transparency and alignment. Questions such as “Are you a fee-only advisor and do you receive commissions from any products?" or "Have you ever been cited by a professional or regulatory body for disciplinary reasons?" are just a few. There are several online resources to use, however, NAPFA offers a detailed questionnaire under the consumer resources section (NAPFA Consumer Resources).
A fiduciary is a professional entrusted to manage assets or wealth while always putting the client’s best interests first. Financial advisors who follow a fiduciary standard must disclose any conflict, or potential conflict, to their clients before and during the advisory engagement. Fiduciaries will also adopt a code of ethics and fully disclose how they are compensated.
Fee Only advisory firms minimize conflicts of interest and ensure that your financial planner acts as a fiduciary. Fee-Only planners are compensated directly by their clients for advice, plan implementation and for the ongoing management of assets. All NAPFA members are required to work only within the Fee-Only structure, accepting no commissions for their work. Fee-Only financial advisors may be paid hourly, as a retainer, as a percentage of assets (AUM), or as a flat fee, depending upon the planner you choose.