What to Look For in a Financial Advisor (No Matter Where You Live)

HFF Team as of October 2023

Let’s be honest—typing “financial advisor near me” into Google can feel like playing darts blindfolded. You might hit the target… or you might end up with someone who’s more focused on selling you products than actually planning your financial future.

Because here’s the thing: location doesn’t equal quality. The advisor down the street might be convenient, but are they trustworthy? Transparent? Are they even working in your best interest?

Finding the right financial advisor isn’t about ZIP codes—it’s about values, service, and alignment. So if you’re looking for someone to help you plan your financial future—whether you’re in Indiana or Idaho—here’s what really matters.

Start With the Big One: Are They a Fiduciary?

This isn’t just financial jargon. It’s everything.

A fiduciary is legally and ethically bound to act in your best interest. Not “what’s good enough.” Not “what fits their firm’s incentive plan.” Your actual best interest.

Not all advisors are fiduciaries. Some are brokers. Some are insurance salespeople in disguise. Some wear both hats depending on what they’re selling that day.

At Halter Ferguson Financial, we’re fiduciaries—always. That means we don’t accept commissions. We don’t have sales quotas. And we don’t play the game of pushing products that aren’t right for you.

Fee-Only > Fee-Based (Yes, There’s a Difference)

It’s easy to get tripped up by this one because the language sounds so similar. But here’s the breakdown:

• Fee-only = You pay the advisor directly. No commissions. No third-party kickbacks.

• Fee-based = You might pay a fee, but they can also earn commissions on products. So their advice? It might come with a sales pitch.

If transparency matters to you—and we think it should—go fee-only. It keeps the relationship clean and the incentives aligned.

Look for Credentials, But Also Context

A good financial advisor should have credentials like the CFP® (Certified Financial Planner), years of experience, and a clean disciplinary record.

You can verify that last part using FINRA’s BrokerCheck tool. It’s basically a background check for anyone who calls themselves an advisor.

But also look at how they apply their knowledge. Do they specialize in people like you? Have they helped others navigate retirement, tax strategies, inheritance, or sudden wealth?

An advisor could have all the letters after their name, but if they don’t get your goals and your life stage, they’re not the right fit.

Do They Lead With Planning—or Just Investments?

A lot of advisors focus heavily on managing your investments. And while that's important, it's just one piece of the puzzle.

You deserve someone who takes a step back and looks at the full picture:

• Are you saving enough for retirement—and in the right places?

• How will your taxes look five years from now?

• What’s your plan if something happens to you or your spouse?

• Are your estate documents actually up to date?

True financial planning is proactive, not reactive. It helps you prepare—not just respond.

Virtual Service Can Be Just as Personal (Sometimes More)

Gone are the days when financial planning required an office visit and a handshake.

These days, the best advisors often serve clients virtually—and that’s not a compromise. In fact, some of our most meaningful conversations at HFF happen via Zoom, with dogs barking in the background, kids popping in, and clients in their comfiest hoodie. Real life, real connection.

The beauty of remote planning? You’re not limited to whoever happens to be nearby. You can find the advisor who’s truly the best fit for your needs, no matter where they live—or where you live.

We serve clients all over the U.S. and have systems in place to make remote service seamless: secure document portals, digital signatures, regular check-ins, and fast access when you need us.

So if you're worried that distance makes things less personal—don't be. It's not about location. It’s about connection.

They Should Ask Better Questions

An advisor worth their salt isn’t just going to ask about your income and assets. They’re going to dig into your values.

• What kind of life do you want to create?

• What keeps you up at night?

• How do you define enough?

Financial planning is deeply personal. Your goals aren’t cookie-cutter, and your plan shouldn’t be either.

If you walk away from an initial meeting and feel like you just filled out a generic intake form… keep looking.

Communication Style Matters More Than You Think

Ever sat through a meeting where someone talked at you, not with you? Yeah. That’s not what you want in a financial advisor.

You want someone who:

• Listens more than they speak

• Explains concepts in plain English

• Takes the time to walk you through options

• Doesn’t rush the conversation

The best advisors are educators first. You should walk away from every meeting feeling more confident, not more confused.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Let’s keep it real: not every advisor out there has your best interest in mind. Watch for these warning signs:

🚩 They dodge the fiduciary question

🚩 They’re vague about how they’re compensated

🚩 They push specific products in the first meeting

🚩 They talk more about investment returns than your actual goals

🚩 You just don’t feel heard

You can do better. You deserve better.

The Bottom Line

Finding the right financial advisor isn’t about picking the closest one. It’s about finding someone who’s qualified, aligned with your values, and committed to helping you succeed—on your terms.

Whether you're in Carmel, Indiana or 1,000 miles away, the right advisor will make you feel like you're their only client.

And if you’re looking for a place to start, we’d love to talk. No sales pitch, no pressure—just a conversation about what matters to you.

Ready to Find Your Person?

We help people across the U.S. make smart, confident financial decisions every day. If you’re ready to stop Googling and start building a plan, reach out to our team for a quick, no-pressure chat.