Use the following checklist to determine your level of comfort with your existing financial planning relationship. If you are not satisfied with your situation, assert your rights by talking to your planner about your concerns. A competent, ethical planner will seek to understand and meet your needs and will explain the reasons behind his or her decisions and actions.

  My planner is diligent in carrying out his or her activities.

  My planner responds to my phone calls or requests promptly.

  Recommendations are appropriate for my situation.

  I understand what I’m being charged and why.

  I understand and accept my planner’s potential conflicts of interest.

  My interests drive the decisions being made.

  I’m involved in decisions at the appropriate time.

  I do not feel pressured to make certain decisions.

  I get adequate information to make good decisions.

  My planner investigates the products he or she recommends.

  I get the service or products I pay for.

  My planner presents his or her qualifications or abilities honestly.

  The staff who works with me is properly supervised.

 My information is kept confidential.