10.4.7 Questions to ask

1. Are you and your firm registered with a provincial securities commission?

2. What is your background?

• How long have you been working as an advisor?
• How long have you been with this company?
• What results have you achieved for other clients?
• What are your education, qualifications and training?

3. What can you do for me?

• Can you provide advice only?
• Can you sell products?
• Can you help me build a financial plan?

4. How will you decide what’s best for me?

• Will you take time to understand my retirement goals?
• Will you offer me different investment options?
• Will you only tell me about products that your firm sells or recommends, or will you offer other products?

5. How do you work with your clients?

• How often will you contact me or meet with me?
• Are you used to working with people like me?
• Do you plan to keep working with me for many years?
• Will you advise me to buy and hold fairly safe investments that are likely to make money over a longer period of time?

6. How do you get paid?

• Will you charge any fees?
• Do you get a salary from your company?
• Will you get a bonus for selling certain products?