Decide what work you are hiring
A good match starts with scope, not a job title. Investment management, one-time planning, tax-aware retirement work and debt coaching are different assignments. Define the work first; then verify the person and firm that will perform it. Prepare for that comparison with how to check a financial adviser's credentials. For the wider decision sequence, use the adviser-services research path.
What PEOPLE.you verifies
We require a current registration match, a firm and individual disclosure review, a plain-language fee schedule, scope details and annual reverification. A clean database result is a starting point, not a guarantee of fit or future conduct.
Read the complete verification methodQuestions that produce comparable answers
Will you act as a fiduciary at all times for this engagement, and will you put that in writing?
What will I pay in dollars during the first year, including product, platform and custodian costs?
Which services are included, which require another professional, and who actually performs the work?
What conflicts appear in your Form ADV brochure and Form CRS, and how do you manage them?
Verify the official record
Repeat these checks yourself immediately before hiring. Public status and disclosures can change after a profile review.
What a directory listing cannot tell you
Registration and documentation do not establish personality fit, guarantee good advice or eliminate conflicts. Ask for a written engagement scope, retain copies of the source records you reviewed and check adviser-specific warning signs before choosing.
Evidence to compare between financial advisers
| Evidence | What it can show | What it cannot show |
|---|---|---|
| IAPD or BrokerCheck record | Current registration, employment and reported disclosures | Whether the advice fits your household |
| Form CRS and Form ADV | Services, fees, conflicts and disciplinary information | The exact cost for your proposed engagement |
| Written proposal | Scope, responsible staff, timeline and quoted fee | Future investment performance |
Questions about this professional type
What is the difference between an adviser and a broker?
They can provide different services and may operate under different standards depending on the account and activity. Check the person, firm and relationship summary rather than relying on a title.
Can PEOPLE.you guarantee an adviser is a fiduciary?
No. Ask the candidate when the fiduciary duty applies, obtain the answer in writing and compare it with the proposed service and official documents.