Handing someone control over how you plan for retirement, education savings, or a major purchase is a significant act of trust, yet many people choose an advisor based on little more than a friendly first meeting. Start by asking how the advisor is compensated — fee-only advisors charge a flat rate or percentage of assets managed, while commission-based advisors earn money by selling specific products, which can create a conflict of interest. Next, ask about their fiduciary status: a fiduciary is legally required to act in your best interest, while a non-fiduciary is only held to a lower suitability standard. Ask for their typical client profile too; an advisor who mostly works with young professionals building their first portfolio may not be the right fit for someone managing a multi-generational estate. It's also worth asking how often they proactively reach out versus waiting for you to call, since responsiveness matters more during volatile markets than any other time. Finally, ask what happens if you want to leave — a good advisor will explain the process plainly, without friction or guilt. Verified financial advisors on VP Life list their credentials and specialisation upfront, so you can shortlist based on actual fit rather than guesswork.