When you’re trying to plan for the future and make sure you’re choosing the right financial path for yourself and your family, you may want some expert help. And while there are a number of financial services available, a financial planner may be the best option for you.
In this article, we’ll cover the difference between a financial advisor and a Certified Financial Planner™, so you can decide which is the right choice for you. Then, we’ll give you some tips to prepare for your first meeting with a financial planner so you can feel confident and know what to expect.
Tip #1: Know the Difference Between a Financial Advisor and a Financial Planner
A financial advisor is someone who can help you create an entire financial plan — from building a budget to optimizing your retirement accounts, investments, and estate planning. There is a lot that goes into a financial plan, and there are a lot of “financial planners” out there. So which one should you choose?
At Guiding Wealth, we recommend working with a Certified Financial Planner™. This type of credentialed professional has the knowledge and tools to help you thoroughly understand the complete picture of your financial situation. They can also help you make feasible plans to meet your financial goals, whether you want to plan for retirement, diversify your portfolio, or create and stick to a budget.
A CFP® designation means a financial advisor has met strict requirements for education and professional experience. This certification also guarantees fiduciary responsibility. A CFP® professional is legally bound to work in your best interests, so you can feel confident about following their advice.
If you do decide to work with a Certified Financial Planner™ — or any financial professional — here’s what you need to know before that first meeting.
Tip #2: Choose a Certified Financial Planner™ Whose Approach Matches Your Needs
If you’re on the hunt to find a financial advisor (and preferably a certified one), you’ll want to know what to expect. It’s normal to be a little nervous about discussing your finances with a stranger or to be concerned that you won’t have everything together.
But a good, trustworthy financial advisor will guide you through the process and help you feel comfortable. They should also take the time to thoroughly explain everything (without condescension) and patiently answer any questions you have. Remember, if a financial advisor ever makes you feel intimidated or uncomfortable, that’s a good sign to end the meeting and look for a different professional to work with.
Of course, you’ll probably have to meet with a potential advisor (whether online or in person) to decide if you’re a good fit. This first meeting with a financial advisor is much like getting ready for a meeting with a new doctor. You should understand the current state of your (financial) health, be ready to talk about your history, bring any essential records or documents to the meeting, and have questions of your own to ask.
Tip #3: Think About Your Financial Situation Beforehand
Spend some time thinking about your finances before the meeting. If you’re not up to date on your financial situation, you may not feel confident discussing your money with the advisor, and you may not get everything you were hoping out of it. Here are a few things to consider before your meeting.
Income and expenses
Figure out exactly how much income you bring in each year and how often you get paid.

It’s just as important to know your average monthly expenses. You don’t need to create a full budget for your meeting, but having a general idea of what you’re spending and where will be helpful.
It’s usually easier to talk about those financial numbers if you have them down on paper. Bring a recent statement from your accounts, print out a spreadsheet of your budget, and bring some of your recent pay stubs with you to have that information handy.
Habits and goals
You have an idea of how much money is coming in and leaving. Now, what do you want to do with your money? Do you want to grow your emergency fund? Have you decided to start investing? Are you thinking about opening a retirement account? Do you want to begin saving for a new house or car?
Think about your big-picture goals, like retirement, as well as smaller ones, like saving up enough for next year’s vacation. Write down specific goals so your advisor has all the information they need to start devising a plan for you.
Lifestyle and life events
Maybe you’re meeting a financial advisor because you’ve experienced a major life event recently. Marriage, divorce, changing careers or being laid off, moving to a new state, having kids, or losing a loved one can all have a significant impact on your finances.
Even if your life hasn’t changed recently, it’s essential to remember that your family and career affect your finances. If you have a spouse or dependents you financially support, or medical expenses you cover for aging parents, be prepared to discuss them.
Also, think about personal details related to money. Are you happy with your lifestyle, spending habits, or income right now? What are your money strengths and weaknesses? How does money make you feel?
Ask All the Questions

Your relationship with a financial planner goes far beyond the numbers. When you work with an advisor, you’ll have to be honest and vulnerable about your dreams for the future, your fears, and more. That transparency can be scary at first, but it’s necessary for a solid relationship with your advisor.
Don’t feel shy or embarrassed about the questions you have for your advisor. Now is your chance to get advice about finances from a professional! And if you’re not quite sure what to ask, consider these suggestions.
The services they offer
If you’re looking for a specific service, like business succession planning, make sure that your advisor offers it. Most firms with comprehensive services cover all the key areas: taxes, retirement, estate planning, investing, and personal planning. If the advisor doesn’t provide a service you need, ask if they refer other professionals at a discount.
Their client philosophy
How often does your advisor meet with their clients? Do they specialize in a certain type of client? Some financial planners focus on couples, women, millennials, retirees, or small business owners. You may feel more comfortable if you fit their ideal client profile.
How they can help you
During the meeting, pay attention to how your advisor discusses your money goals and how money makes you feel. How can they help you meet your goals? What advice do they have for improving your financial weaknesses? An advisor can share some initial, customized suggestions for your situation.
Ready to Work With Someone You Trust?
When you have your initial meeting with the advisor, trust your instincts. Do you like them? Can you see yourself confiding in them? Money can be an emotional, stressful topic of conversation. Above all, you need someone you can trust to talk to about it.
If you’re looking for a financial advisor who can help you navigate big life decisions and all the changes that come with that, we are here to help. At Guiding Wealth, we’re committed to providing every client with personalized advice and a plan that matches their priorities and values. To see if our team is the right fit for you, schedule a consultation.
