10 Key Questions to Ask When Hiring a Financial Advisor

Release Date: 02/06/2025

Real Talk About Marriage, Money, & Misunderstandings

Beyond Budgets Podcast

Marriage is both a gift and a challenge. Whether your relationship is in a season of ease or strain, this episode offers practical encouragement rooted in timeless values. Host Deb Meyer also shares a personal example of how forgiveness, not perfection, builds a lasting partnership. Episode Highlights: Why seeing marriage as a covenant, not a contract, can anchor you in tough times How social media and quiet comparison can erode your sense of connection Real ways to refocus on your spouse’s strengths, especially in seasons of frustration The role of money personalities in marriage...

How to Plan Senior Care Without Breaking the Bank

Beyond Budgets Podcast

As parents age, many of us find ourselves stepping into a new role: caregiver, advocate, and decision-maker. In this heartfelt and highly practical episode, Deb Meyer is joined by Erin Dwyer-Busch, elder care consultant and owner of the St. Louis location of . Erin shares her personal journey from pediatric speech therapist to trusted advisor for families navigating the complex world of senior care. Whether you're concerned about a parent’s driving, exploring assisted living options, or unsure how to start the conversation about long-term care, Erin brings expert insights. This is a...

Big Tax Refund? Surprise Bill? Here’s What to Know

Beyond Budgets Podcast

You filed your taxes. And now you’re either breathing a sigh of relief… or wondering why you owe more than expected. CPA, Certified Financial Planner™ and host Deb Meyer shares top lessons from the 2024 tax season, especially for busy parents and small business owners. If you got a refund, you’ll learn how to make the most of it. Deb explains why it might not be your tax preparer’s fault and how to plan better next year if you owe. Plus: a simple framework to help you decide what to do with any financial windfall — from tax refunds to bonuses or even unexpected gifts. What You’ll...

How to Raise Money-Smart Kids with Chris Baden

Beyond Budgets Podcast

Are you working hard to build a better life but worried you’re sacrificing what matters most? In this episode, Chris Baden shares how he reshaped success around faith, family, and intentional entrepreneurship. As a husband, homeschool dad of three, and CEO of FlowChat, Chris brings wisdom from both the boardroom and the breakfast table. Here’s what you will learn: ✅ How to raise financially confident kids without pressure or perfection ✅ The power of a family mission statement ✅ The “roots and wings” framework for raising grounded, independent kids ✅ How to shift...

Healthcare Sharing vs. Insurance: Which Saves You More?

Beyond Budgets Podcast

In this episode of Beyond Budgets®, Deb shares a personal story that hits home—navigating the unexpected cost of her son's surgery, even with insurance. That real-life experience opens the door to a bigger conversation: what are your options when traditional health insurance doesn't fit? Whether you're between jobs, self-employed, or considering early retirement, Deb breaks down: What healthcare sharing plans really are—and what they're not The trade-offs of COBRA vs. marketplace insurance Why premiums have jumped 47% over the last decade What to know about pre-existing...

Faith, Family, & Finances - A Better Way to Manage Money

Beyond Budgets Podcast

Money is more than just paying bills and saving for the future—it’s a tool for living out your values and making a lasting impact. As part of the weeklong event Podcasthon, we’re highlighting Compass Catholic Ministries, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families approach money with wisdom, generosity, and faith. Join us as Camila Gonzalez shares practical ways to align your finances with your values, get out of debt, and build a strong financial foundation—without feeling overwhelmed. 🔹 What We Cover: ✔️ Why financial stewardship matters—and how to practice it daily ✔️...

Why Uncertainty Doesn’t Have to Derail Your Financial Plan

Beyond Budgets Podcast

Uncertainty is a constant, but how we react to it makes all the difference. In this episode of Beyond Budgets, we dive into today’s shifting economic and political landscape—including tariffs, job losses, and market trends—and what they could mean for your finances. More importantly, we’ll explore timeless financial principles that can help you stay steady, no matter what’s happening in the world. Deb Meyer breaks down how to make smart financial decisions in unpredictable times, how emotions impact investing, and why diversification is key. Whether you’re navigating career change...

Investing Smart: How to Avoid Hidden Fees & Find the Right Advisor

Beyond Budgets Podcast

Did you know that half of investment advisor clients think they’re getting comprehensive advice, but only 11% actually are? In this episode, Deb Meyer sits down with Stephen Tanenbaum, founder of Rainbook, a platform dedicated to bringing transparency to financial advising. Stephen shares how Rainbook helps parents evaluate their advisors, uncover hidden fees, and make sure they’re getting real value from their financial relationships. They also discuss: ✅ The difference between fiduciary advisors and commission-based brokers ✅ Common hidden fees in financial advising (and how to spot...

10 Key Questions to Ask When Hiring a Financial Advisor

Beyond Budgets Podcast

Choosing a financial advisor is a big decision that can shape your family’s financial future. In this episode of Beyond Budgets, Deb Meyer breaks down how to evaluate advisors and find the right fit for your unique goals and values. Whether you’re new to financial planning or transitioning to another advisor, this episode equips you with the knowledge and confidence to make an informed choice. 🔑 What you’ll learn in this episode: 10 essential questions to ask during your search for a financial advisor. The difference between fee-only, fee-based, and commission-based...

College Funding Secrets Every Parent Needs to Know

Beyond Budgets Podcast

Planning for college can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Beyond Budgets, host Deb Meyer sits down with Ann Garcia, CFP®, also known as "The College Financial Lady." Ann is the author of How to Pay for College and a mom of twins who recently graduated debt-free. She combines her professional expertise with personal experience to share strategies that will help you save money and reduce stress during the college planning process. Whether your child is years away from applying or you’re in the thick of FAFSA forms and scholarship deadlines, this episode will...

More Episodes

Choosing a financial advisor is a big decision that can shape your family’s financial future. In this episode of Beyond Budgets, Deb Meyer breaks down how to evaluate advisors and find the right fit for your unique goals and values. Whether you’re new to financial planning or transitioning to another advisor, this episode equips you with the knowledge and confidence to make an informed choice.

🔑 What you’ll learn in this episode:

10 essential questions to ask during your search for a financial advisor.
The difference between fee-only, fee-based, and commission-based advisors—and what it means for you.
How can the fiduciary standard impact the advice you receive?
Key distinctions between financial coaches and advisors—and how to decide which you need.
The importance of aligning an advisor’s approach with your family’s values.

🎯 Key takeaways:

Trust and transparency are critical—learn how to assess an advisor’s qualifications, ethics, and experience.
Understanding compensation structures can help you avoid conflicts of interest.
Your relationship with an advisor is personal—find someone who fits your communication style, preferences, and values.

Listen in to learn more:

(01:06) Things to Know When Hiring a Financial Advisor
(05:59) Advisors' Conflict of Interest Risk
(11:00) Ideal Client Niche Focus Discussion
(18:39) Faith-Based Investing and Self-Improvement
(24:57) Establishing Long-Term Advisor Compatibility

Resources

Find a CFP® Professional: https://www.letsmakeaplan.org/

NAPFA (fiduciary, fee-only advisors): https://www.napfa.org/

XY Planning Network: https://advice.xyplanningnetwork.com/

Sara Grillo’s directory: https://saragrillo.com/2022/03/14/flat-fee-financial-advisors/

10 essential questions to ask during your search for a financial advisor.

The difference between fee-only, fee-based, and commission-based advisors—and what it means for you.

How can the fiduciary standard impact the advice you receive?

Key distinctions between financial coaches and advisors—and how to decide which you need.

The importance of aligning an advisor’s approach with your family’s values.

🎯 Key takeaways:

Trust and transparency are critical—learn how to assess an advisor’s qualifications, ethics, and experience.

Understanding compensation structures can help you avoid conflicts of interest.

Your relationship with an advisor is personal—find someone who fits your communication style, preferences, and values.

Find a CFP® Professional: https://www.letsmakeaplan.org/

NAPFA (fiduciary, fee-only advisors): https://www.napfa.org/

XY Planning Network: https://advice.xyplanningnetwork.com/

Sara Grillo’s directory: https://saragrillo.com/2022/03/14/flat-fee-financial-advisors/

Related article “10 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Financial Advisor”: https://www.worthynest.com/all-posts/questions-when-hiring-a-financial-advisor

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