Putting your hard-earned money in someone else’s hands can feel like a big step—but with the right person, it’s a smart move toward achieving your financial goals. Luckily, our industry is highly regulated, and there are important credentials you can look for to guide your search. Below, we will walk through key factors that can help simplify the process of finding the right advisor for you and your family.
Make sure they are a Certified Financial Planner™ professional
The CFP® designation indicates that an individual has completed rigorous schooling, passed a comprehensive and complex exam, and displays a high-level of competency in managing wealth. The requirements to obtain this designation are strict, and the percentage of financial advisors who possess it is slim.
Still, note that just because someone has the CFP® designation, they may not be a great fit for you. In general, though, when looking to filter your search, start with making sure everyone you talk to is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. This will steer you in the right direction of a qualified professional you can trust to assist you with your financial goals.
Ask How Much Experience The Financial Advisor Has
It’s important that whoever you end up hiring brings a broad range of experience in wealth management. This professional should have a proven track record, and should be able to make informed, confident decisions that align with your goals.
However, we will caution—experience doesn’t necessarily always equate to competency. Be sure the experience the individual has is relevant to your specific needs.
Read Client Testimonials and Speak to Your Friends and Family
It’s always helpful to get a first-hand report from someone you trust. It provides a peace of mind other credentials can’t. While this can be helpful, be sure to consider the credibility and judgement of the friend or family member providing the referral. And, make sure to evaluate whether their experience with the advisor aligns with your own financial needs and expectations.
As with most everything else in the financial industry, client testimonials are highly regulated. Ensure you read not only their Google reviews, but also other sites like BBB, Facebook, Yelp, etc.
Confirm The Financial Planner is a Fiduciary
This is a term that is widely used, and one that can easily be overstated. In short, it means an individual is making decisions in YOUR best interest, not theirs, not their companies. This is important, because you want a professional who truly understands your values and goals, and who is dedicated to acting in your best interest, rather than focusing on personal incentives.
It’s important to make sure you fully trust that this person is a Fiduciary. As mentioned before, a good benchmark to start your search is to look for a Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner. One reason being that CFP® professionals are fiduciaries by mandate of the CFP® board.
Ask Them About Their Team and Processes
Ideally, you will have a relationship with your financial advisor for many years. To ensure this relationship supports your goals over time, it’s essential to understand the team structure behind them. A strong team culture can assist your advisor with making sharp decisions that align with your overall goals. In the unfortunate event that your relationship with your advisor changes, you want to feel confident that their peers can pick up and keep moving with no interruptions. Asking about their processes and team culture can give you valuable insight.
Personality Fit Matters
Remember, this is a professional relationship you will likely have for many years. You are entrusting them with the management of your financial future so it’s essential for you to have full confidence in their abilities and expertise as well as a strong rapport. Someone can have all the credentials, testimonials, and experience in the world, but if you don’t have a strong relationship, it won’t be an enjoyable partnership.
Schedule Your Discovery Call Today
Finding the right financial planner is a deeply personal decision—and it should be. You’re entrusting someone with your financial future, so it’s important to take your time, ask the right questions, and trust your instincts. Start by narrowing your search to professionals with the Certified Financial Planner™ designation, then dig deeper into their experience, reputation, fiduciary commitment, and overall approach. And above all, make sure it feels like a good personal fit. When you find someone who checks all the boxes and makes you feel heard and understood, you’re setting the stage for a strong, lasting financial partnership.
At North Texas Wealth Management, we believe in building long-term partnerships rooted in transparency, integrity, and a deep understanding of your personal values and goals. Meet our team here and see how we can help you plan for your future confidently. Schedule a complimentary discovery call with one of our advisors to get started on your wealth journey today.
