For many people, finding financial guidance close to home feels like the right first step. It’s convenient. It’s accessible. And on the surface, it can feel more personal.
But not all financial professionals offer the same level of care, clarity, or experience, especially when it comes to growing and protecting your money over time.
If you’ve been thinking about working with someone in your area or have searched for investments near me, what matters most isn’t just where they’re located. It’s how they operate, who they serve, and whether their process is built around your financial life, not just market performance.
Here are the key questions to ask before trusting someone to manage your money, and what their answers might reveal.
Are You Independent?
This question helps uncover the level of flexibility and objectivity an advisor has.
Independent advisors are not tied to one firm’s products, fund lineup, or insurance offerings. That means their recommendations can come from a broader range of strategies and aren’t shaped by internal sales goals. This kind of independence can lead to more objective decisions, especially as your financial situation grows more complex.
If an advisor isn’t independent, their choices may be limited. They may recommend the same model to most clients or prioritize investments that serve the firm rather than the person. Over time, that can create missed opportunities and less control over your outcomes.
Look for someone who can explain clearly how they choose what to recommend, and whether they can build a strategy unique to you.
Do You Have a Fiduciary Obligation to Your Clients?
A fiduciary is required to act in your best interest at all times. That’s more than just a talking point; it’s a legal obligation. A fiduciary must disclose any conflicts of interest and provide advice that prioritizes your financial well-being, not their compensation structure.
Some advisors are only fiduciaries part of the time. Others may follow a suitability standard, which only requires that recommendations be “good enough,” not necessarily ideal for your situation.
Working with a fiduciary creates more transparency. It also helps you trust the advice you’re receiving, especially when the market shifts or your life changes.
If the answer to this question is unclear or if the advisor avoids it, that may be a sign to keep asking.
Who Do You Typically Work With?
Every advisor has a range of experience, but not every advisor works with clients who have needs similar to yours.
Some work primarily with people just starting. Others focus on business owners, multi-generational families, or professionals preparing for retirement. You want to know whether the person guiding your plan understands your stage of life, the size and structure of your portfolio, and the decisions you’re likely to face next.
This question also helps clarify whether you’ll be getting the right kind of service. Someone who’s managing dozens of small accounts may not offer the level of strategic oversight you need. On the other hand, an advisor with experience in personal asset management is more likely to consider your whole financial picture, including tax coordination, estate planning, and long-term cash flow needs.
What Services Are Included and What’s Not?
Financial planning isn’t just about picking investments. It’s also about structure, timing, risk, tax impact, and planning for what happens next.
Some firms only provide portfolio management. Others build full plans that include retirement projections, income distribution strategy, charitable giving, family conversations, and legacy planning.
If you’re looking for more than just transactions, be clear about what kind of support you want. That might include:
- Reviewing and updating your plan regularly
- Planning for future health or elder care costs
- Preparing for the sale of a business or property
- Coordinating with attorneys and tax professionals
- Reviewing insurance coverage as your life evolves
The broader your financial picture becomes, the more critical it is to work with someone who understands the full scope of management of wealth. Ask how often they meet with clients. Ask what they do during those meetings. Specific answers matter.
How Do You Stay Involved Over Time?
The value of advice isn’t just in the plan you build today. It’s in how that plan adjusts when life changes. Markets shift. Priorities evolve. Jobs change. Families grow. Wealth moves between generations. The advisor you choose should have a transparent process for staying in touch, updating your strategy, and helping you stay focused throughout the process.
Ask how often reviews are scheduled. Ask how they track changes to your goals. Ask how they make sure your strategy still works five or ten years from now.
You want a relationship that continues, one that helps you make informed decisions no matter what comes next.
Local Access Should Come With Professional Oversight
Working with someone nearby can be helpful. But it only matters if the advice they provide is structured, objective, and built for the long term.
Choosing to work with Virtue Asset Management means working with professionals who take the time to understand your whole picture, providing guidance based on your life.
If you’re thinking about putting your money to work and want a process you can trust, we’re here to help you take the next step.