What to Look for in a Financial Adviser

Summary

Choosing a financial adviser isn’t just about credentials or investment returns. It’s about finding someone you can trust with your story, your goals, and your future. At Yew Tree, we believe that the right adviser does more than manage numbers—they walk alongside you with integrity, clarity, and care.

Here are some qualities to look for when deciding who to work with:

1. A Listener, Not Just a Talker

A good adviser should start by understanding your hopes, fears, and values before suggesting solutions. If you leave a meeting feeling like you weren’t heard, that’s a red flag.

2. Transparent and Clear

You should never feel in the dark about fees, risks, or how recommendations align with your needs. Transparency builds trust; jargon builds walls.

3. Values-Aligned

The best advisers respect your priorities—whether that’s caring for family, supporting your community, or leaving a legacy. Planning should reflect what matters most to you, not just what grows the balance sheet.

4. Credentialed and Ethical

Look for professional qualifications, but also ask about how they stay current and how they handle conflicts of interest. A title alone isn’t enough—it’s their character and ethical compass that make the difference.

5. Collaborative, Not Transactional

True planning isn’t about a one-time product sale. It’s an ongoing relationship where your adviser checks in, adjusts to life’s changes, and helps you adapt when the unexpected happens.

6. Courage to Say “No”

Sometimes the best thing an adviser can do is tell you when a strategy or product isn’t in your best interest—even if it costs them a sale. That takes courage, and it shows they’re putting you first.

🌱 At its best, financial advice is about stewardship—helping you take care of yourself, your loved ones, and your legacy with wisdom and compassion. When you choose an adviser, you’re not just choosing expertise; you’re choosing a partner in one of life’s most important journeys.

A couple walking in a wood
LGBTQ+ & Chosen Families
Steven Newman

What to Look for in a Financial Adviser

Choosing a financial adviser isn’t just about credentials or investment returns. It’s about finding someone you can trust with your story, your goals, and your future. At Yew Tree, we believe that the right adviser does more than manage numbers—they walk alongside you with integrity, clarity, and care.

Read More »
Couple sitting at a kitchen table looking at documents
Long Term Care
Steven Newman

Will Our Pension Be Enough? — Planning Beyond the Check

Many public workers assume their pension will carry them through retirement. But today’s reality is more complex. From inflation and long-term care to survivor needs and rising costs, this article explores why “guaranteed” income still needs thoughtful planning.

Read More »
Churches & Ministries
Steven Newman

Planning Isn’t About Products—It’s About Peace of Mind

Most people believe financial planning is about choosing the right product. However, true planning begins with understanding someone’s hopes, fears, and the life they want to protect. It asks: What do you want your life to feel like? Who are you responsible for? At Yew Tree Foundation, we prioritize life over products. Discover how planning can bring you peace of mind and protect what you cherish.

Read More »