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Insights from Tom Moran AIF ®

Chairman | CEO | CIO Moran Wealth Management®

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