Mike and Al lays out a checklist for evaluating your advisor - fiduciary duty vs. suitability, fee transparency, and potential conflicts like commissions or proprietary products. They stress planning-first advice, consistent communication (reviews, clear action items), and evidence-based investing rather than performance-chasing. Credentials (e.g., CFP®), a documented investment policy, and a retirement-income plan that accounts for taxes and inflation are highlighted as green flags. Red flags include opaque fees, one-size-fits-all portfolios, and advisors who can’t explain risk in plain English.

<p>Mike and Al lays out a checklist for evaluating your advisor - fiduciary duty vs. suitability, fee transparency, and potential conflicts like commissions or proprietary products. They stress planning-first advice, consistent communication (reviews, clear action items), and evidence-based investing rather than performance-chasing. Credentials (e.g., CFP&reg;), a documented investment policy, and a retirement-income plan that accounts for taxes and inflation are highlighted as green flags. Red flags include opaque fees, one-size-fits-all portfolios, and advisors who can&rsquo;t explain risk in plain English.</p>