Before your first meeting

Where are you today? Where do you want to be in 5, 10 or 25 years? Only you can decide what you want out of life. Give some thought to your dreams before meeting with an advisor by looking through the financial planning questions below, and you'll be one step closer to living your life on your terms. Also, you'll want to have an idea of your current financial picture and financial goals.

Here are some questions to ask yourself before your meeting. For more preparation ideas, read through our pre-meeting checklist.

• What do you hope to accomplish financially within the next year or two?
• How confident do you feel about where you are today? How confident do you feel about reaching your financial goals for the future?
• What level of risk are you most comfortable with?
• How involved do you want to be in investment decision-making?
• What are your top areas of financial concern today? Where can you use the most help?
• What do you most look forward to doing in the future? Who do you want to spend more time with? Where do you dream of going? Where do you see yourself living?
• How do you want to make your lasting mark?

Your first meeting

Here's what you may talk about during your first meeting with an advisor.
Review an agenda

After your first meeting

Once you've decided to work together, the financial advisor can start developing your financial plan.
Follow-up planning discussions