Real Financial Planning is not about being right today, it’s about being less wrong tomorrow. Airline pilots know this. For years, every time I met one, I would ask two questions. The first was, “Do you prepare a flight plan for every single flight?” And every pilot I asked answered “Yes.” The second was, “How often does the flight go exactly as you planned?” To which they always answered “Never.”
In a previous article, I discussed why it’s important to perform due diligence when you’re hiring a financial professional and how military members have unique requirements they should seek to address because of their benefits. Based on the questions I compiled, I believe it’s only fair and transparent that I publish my answers
Do a quick Google Search on “Questions to ask your financial advisor” and you’ll find a page of articles. All have a slightly different focus depending on whether they emphasize planning like this one from the CFP Board, or investments likes one from Nerd Wallet, or some personal questions like this one from Dave Ramsey. While good starting points, none focus on financial planning for military members and the unique benefits available to members. With that in mind, consider these questions when interviewing advisors.