The list of questions below should be considered as you interview potential investment advisors:

People

• Is the advisor registered as a broker or RIA?
• Does the advisor accept fiduciary responsibility?
• What is the background and experience of the firm's investment team?
• What is the background of the representative assigned to your account?
• What is the firm's size and growth plan?
• Are you comfortable with each?
• How many accounts does your representative manage?
• How often will they meet with you?

Philosophy

• How are they compensated?
• Is the firm product or service driven?
• Does the firm have an articulated investment philosophy? If so, does your representative follow and believe in it?
• Is this philosophy compatible with your objectives?
• Does the firm adhere to this philosophy through all market cycles?
• Does the representative meet with you often to discuss your specific goals and objectives with you?

Process

• What is the firm's investment process? How do they select investments for your account?
• Does the firm have disciplined and systematic controls that ensure the process supports the firm's philosophy?
• What is their sell discipline?

Performance

• Is performance reported to you or do you only receive an asset statement?
• If reported, is performance gross or net of fees?
• Does the firm conduct performance reviews for standard time periods e.g., monthly, quarterly, annually, since inception?
• Has your representative targeted performance against an appropriate benchmark?
• If your account has underperformed, is there a logical explanation and demonstration of outperformance in other periods?
• Are reports timely, accurate and easily comprehensive?