How to Choose the Right Financial Advisor for Your Family or Business
Choosing a financial advisor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your family or business. The right advisor can help you move from feeling uncertain about your financial choices, clear the path removing the excess options and confusion that online research can create, to having a clear, confident plan for the future. The wrong one can leave you with cookie-cutter advice, hidden fees, or a relationship that doesn’t truly serve your needs.
With so many options out there, how do you know who to trust? Here’s what to consider when choosing the right financial advisor, and how Smith Rogers has been guiding families and business owners for more than 40 years.
Understand the Different Types of Advisors
Not all advisors are created equal. Before you choose one, it helps to understand the different models:
- Bank-affiliated advisors: Often committed to selling the products their bank offers. This can be a good starting point, but the advice is usually restricted to a narrow set of solutions.
- Independent advisors: May have more flexibility to recommend products and strategies from different providers, but not all are equally comprehensive in their approach.
- Fee-for-service advisors: Charge a flat fee for advice, regardless of the products you buy. This model can be transparent, but the scope of their advice can sometimes be limited.
At Smith Rogers, we take a comprehensive, relationship-based approach. That means looking at your entire financial landscape—from investments, long term income needs (retirement), to tax planning, insurance, and estate considerations—so you can see the big picture, not just one piece of it.
Ask the Right Questions
A good advisor will welcome your questions. Here are a few to bring into your first meeting:
How do you get paid? Transparency around fees is essential. What services do you provide beyond investment management? You want to know they’ll look at your full financial picture.
What type of clients do you typically work with? This helps you understand whether they truly “get” your stage of life or type of business.
How often will we meet, and how will you communicate? You need an advisor whose style matches your own expectations.
What happens if something unexpected changes in my life or business? The best advisors plan for both the milestones and the what ifs.
What is your real-world experience? Credentials are important, but without hands-on experience navigating different life and business circumstances, an advisor may not fully understand the practical side of financial decision-making.
Five years ago, we worked with a divorcing couple with a young family to identify and separate their assets amicably. In her words, she had a limited understanding of the financial side of things, but appreciated receiving clear, concise information that never felt condescending. She described the process as coming from a place of genuine understanding during a time when she felt especially vulnerable.
Why Values and Relationships Matter
Numbers matter but so does trust. A truly great financial advisor is one who:
- Aligns with your values.
- Listens to your concerns without judgement.
- Helps you see both opportunities and risks.
- Stays by your side for the long haul, through every season of life and business.
Choosing Confidence with Smith Rogers
For over 40 years, we’ve helped families, professionals, and business owners in the GTA move from financial overwhelm to clarity and confidence. Our approach is comprehensive, transparent, and personal, because your future deserves more than a generic plan.
If you’re asking yourself, “How do I find the right financial advisor?”, the best place to start is with a conversation. We’ll take the time to understand your needs, answer your questions, and create a roadmap that gives you both confidence and peace of mind.
Ready to take the next step? Visit our website to get in touch with our team.