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W hen choosing a new financial ad- visor either for the first time or to replace an existing relationship, there are several questions you should be asking. It is important to identify if this individual and their firm are the right fit for you. In many cases you and your family or institution may be working with this firm for twenty years or more. Having a sense of trust in their expertise and processes will allow you to set goals and ultimately pursue them, being able to transition those goals over time as your life grows and expands. Included here are five ques- tions to consider asking during an initial meeting with a new financial advisor, or to clarify the next time you meet with your current advisor. 1. Are you a fiduciary? As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) I am an investment fiduciary in advisory relationships, as well as the other advisors at Golden Pond Wealth Management who also hold the CFP® designation. The CFP Board requires that a CFP® professional is acting as a fiduciary at all times when providing advice to a client. 2. What are your credentials and what is your level of experience? I have been a Certified Financial Planner® since 2000 and a financial advisor since 1994. Our team currently consists of 3 financial advisors, each with our CFP® designation. In addition, we have two registered staff members furthering their education. The total collaborative team years of experience is over 140 years. When searching for an advisor you may want to check if the advisor is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Certified Pub- lic Accountant (CPA®), or a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®). Each of these designations requires the advisor to have a comprehensive understanding of investments, insurance, taxes, estate planning, and retirement planning. These designations require continuing education to keep the advisor current in all things related to financial planning. 3. How do you work with my other advisors — my accountant and attorney, etc.? It is important that your financial advisor coordinates with your other professionals, especially with regards to estate planning and tax preparation. At Golden Pond we get permission to disclose and coordinate with your existing financial professionals to align with your life and ambitions. 4. What happens to my accounts if something happens to you? At Golden Pond we have a succession plan and team in place so that if anything should happen to any one of our advisors, there would be a seamless transition for the client to another one of our advisors. Our long-term strategy provides for our company to continue long after the current advisors and owners are gone. 5. How are you compensated? Some advisors charge hourly fees, oth- ers a percentage of assets, and others commissions. Some use a combination of both. At Golden Pond we have a clear fee schedule and disclosure explaining how we are compensated. In addition to our compensation disclosure – we provide a clear understanding of the services pro- vided and our meeting schedule. Often when meeting with a perspective client we find they are unaware of how they are paying their existing advisor and what services they should be receiving. Choosing a financial advisor is a decision that should be made with great care and consideration. With the answers to import- ant questions such as those included here, you will be better prepared to make an informed decision that will serve you well for years…and generations to come. S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T 5 Critical Questions to Ask Your Financial Advisor The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing. By Bert Languet, CFP®, Vice President of Golden Pond Wealth Management, Waterville, ME

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