Meeting with a financial advisor can feel intimidating. Some worry they don’t earn enough money to justify professional advice, while others assume the conversation will focus entirely on investments.SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox.
Parade had the chance to talk with financial planner and educator Nadia Vanderhall, founder of The Brands and Bands Strategy Group, about how the most important questions often have nothing to do with stocks, mutual funds, or retirement accounts. Here are the three questions she says many forget to ask in the first meeting.
Courtesy of Naida Vanderhall
1. “How Do You Get Paid?”
Vanderhall: One of the BIGGEST questions I think people should ask is, “How do you get paid?” Not because compensation is bad, but because understanding how someone gets paid helps you understand how they do business. I’ve met people who could tell me exactly what funds they owned, but had no idea how their advisor was compensated. That’s a pretty important piece of the puzzle. I was just having a conversation with someone who met with an advisor, and the advisor was pushing them to unload their fund and reload it with their products. Knowing their structure gives you context on what to expect.
2. “What Happens After Today’s Meeting?”
Vanderhall: I think a lot of people assume financial planning is either a one-time event or that someone is going to magically take over their financial life. Two things can be true: Some do offer a 1 time plan, but others are focused on relationship building. Ask what communication looks like. Ask how often you’ll meet. Ask what happens when life happens, because life always happens. Beyond the jargon, what’s your client journey?
3. “What Type of Client Is Not a Good Fit for You?”
Vanderhall: The third question is one that almost nobody asks. I love this question because it cuts through the sales pitch. A good advisor should know exactly who they serve best and where they may not be the right fit. It’s a link to how they would view your relationship and your money. At the end of the day, you’re not interviewing a spreadsheet. You’re interviewing a person who’s going to help guide decisions that impact your life, your life planning, your family, and your future. The relationship matters just as much as the recommendations or structures.
Financial Planning Isn’t Just for the Wealthy
Photo by PM Images on Getty Images
One of the biggest misconceptions Vanderhall encounters is the belief that financial planning is only for high earners. Many of her clients earn less than $100,000 annually and are focused on practical goals such as paying off debt, building emergency savings, understanding workplace benefits, and preparing for retirement. “The value isn’t always in having more money,” she says. “Sometimes the value is understanding how to make better decisions with the money you already have.”
The first meeting with a financial advisor isn’t just about evaluating your finances. It’s also about evaluating the person who may help guide some of your most important financial decisions for years to come.
Related: After speaking with a financial advisor, consider your spending habits:
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice
This story was originally published by Parade on Jun 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the Life section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
