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Insights from Tom Moran AIF®:

Questions to make sure that you are making
the most informed investment and advisory decisions.

Chairman | CEO | CIO Moran Wealth Management®

s the financial advisory profession has grown dramatically Do you have experience working with clients similar
over the past decade, investors have more choices than ever to me?
Abefore in how they invest their hard-earned savings. It’s The relationship you have with your advisor is key. Finding
important to consider asking your current or prospective advisor someone who understands your circumstances, needs and desires
the following essential questions to make sure that you are making ensure that your experience is based on confidence and trust.
the most informed investment and advisory decisions. What are your qualifications?
Are you a fiduciary? There are many paths to becoming a financial advisor. All these
A client should clarify what type of standards their advisor paths and certifications require a stringent standard of mastery and
adheres to, as many are not legally bound to give objective ongoing education.
advice. Advisors who are fiduciaries are required to make What is your investment philosophy and how do you
recommendations based on the best interests of their clients. A manage investment portfolios for your clients?
fiduciary relationship can help ensure that there is no conflict of Ideally clients should identify how the advisor addresses
interest between you and your advisor. Advisors at a Registered factors like risk, returns, costs, and tax consequences. Investment
Investment Advisor (RIA), such as Moran Wealth Management®, philosophy includes methodology, as well as investment vehicles –
are legally required to always act as fiduciaries. Many accreditations like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or ETFs – used to create your own
such as a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP) or Accredited personalized strategy.
Investment Fiduciary® would also demonstrate that an advisor What can I expect if I work with you?
works within a fiduciary capacity. Service standards vary greatly, so be sure to ask about the
How are you compensated? frequency of meetings, interactions, and accessibility. Consider
Clients should have a good understanding of the costs your own needs and preferences – do you prefer more hands-on or
associated with both the services and underlying investments being more independence – to help ensure that it’s compatible with the
recommended, including if there are any minimums. There are approach being described.
generally three types of compensation options: Answers to questions such as these can provide awareness
• Fee-only: advisors only earn compensation for their services about the individual you are considering, but ultimately, selecting a
through the fees their clients pay. Oftentimes, the fee is based on financial advisor comes down to relationships. Can you envision a
the assets the advisor is responsible for managing; they earn more long-term partnership with this advisor? The decision to team up
when investments values increase and less when values decrease. with a professional advisor should be based on your own level of
• Fee-based: advisors may earn compensation directly through confidence and trust.
client fees and other commissions for products they recommend, Moran Wealth Management®, LLC is a registered investment adviser. For additional
such as insurance, mutual funds, and brokerage fees. information about Moran Wealth Management®, LLC, including its services and
• Commission: costs are based on each transaction in a fees, request the firm’s disclosure brochure using the contact information above or visit
particular product or investment vehicle. advisorinfo.sec.gov
Moran Wealth Management® is a separate entity and not affiliated with any other
entity or practice that uses the same name.
www.Thomas.Moran@MoranWM.com
Tom Moran Phone: 239.920.4440 www.MoranWM.com
AIF® Chairman, CEO, CIO Moran Wealth Management® Fax: 239.431.5239 5801 Pelican Bay Blvd, Suite 110,
Naples, FL 34108

Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN). Moran Wealth Management is a separate entity from WFAFN. 1221-04126
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