Your First Meeting With a Financial Advisor

A first meeting with a financial advisor can feel like a big step, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. The good news? It’s a chance to determine the right fit. Expect to spend anywhere between 60 and 90 minutes discussing what brought you in, what you're concerned about and what they bring to the table. Spoiler: it doesn’t end with a financial plan. That’s because the first meeting is really a two-way conversation. You’re getting a feel for whether the advisor is someone you can see yourself working with. If they're someone you'd want in your corner when things get rocky. And they’re doing the same, figuring out whether they’re the right person to help you reach your goals.

Knowing the expectation ahead of time can help to take some of the pressure off. The pressure to have all of your documents ready beforehand, especially. A little preparation can help you get more out of the conversation, but you don’t need to have every account organized or know exactly what you want your financial future to look like as you head into this meeting.

Here’s what to expect at that first meeting, what to bring, the questions an advisor may ask, and what you can wait until you decide to work together.