Questions to Ask an AFC®, Questions to Ask Yourself

At any stage of life, having the support of a financial professional can be beneficial. In today’s world information is just a click away but finding trustworthy financial guidance can be challenging. Everyone has unique financial needs, so building a solid financial foundation is crucial for evaluating your situation and achieving success.

Accredited Financial Counselors® serve as valuable resources for those uncertain about where to start. They can assist with managing finances, addressing financial crises, overcoming debt, increasing savings, handling student loans, establishing a solid financial foundation, and referring clients to other reputable professionals when necessary. It’s likely you already knew at least some of this because you found this blog! Perhaps you are considering meeting with an AFC to discuss the financial path forward. If so, coming to that meeting with questions will set you up for success. These questions should not only be for the AFC to answer but for you to ask yourself to clarify your financial goals. Showing up with thoughtful questions will signal your commitment to being an active partner in the process and will likely inspire the AFC to help you achieve your goals even more enthusiastically. Let’s dig into what these questions could look like.

What to Ask an AFC

When you’re ready to meet with an AFC, it’s important to ensure that you find the right fit for your financial needs. The vetting process could benefit from answers to the following questions:

• Experience: What is their work experience, and how does it relate to their current practice?
• Oversight: Is there a body requiring ongoing education and ethics?
• Services: What services do they offer? Financial counselors and coaches typically do not sell insurance or securities products.
• Approach: Does their philosophy and approach align with your needs and values?
• Clientele: What types of clients do they typically work with?
• Fees: How much do they charge, and how will you pay for their services?
• Conflicts of Interest: Do others stand to gain from the advice they give you?
• Background: Do they have referrals to offer you? Are they able to verify if they have any records of disciplinary actions related to unlawful or unethical behavior.

What to Ask Yourself

It’s ok to put yourself through a similar vetting process to gain clarity on your financial goals and concerns will help you make the most of your time with an AFC. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• What is my current financial picture?
• Am I happy with my financial situation?
• Could financial support benefit me right now?
• What are my financial goals?
• Do I have a clear financial plan?
• What is my financial focus?
• How could a financial counselor help me?

It’s perfectly fine if you don’t have all the answers or have different questions in mind. This is your personal journey. The more information you can share with your AFC, the more straightforward and impactful your conversations are likely to be.

By taking the time to ask yourself and an Accredited Financial Counselor suitable questions, you set the stage for a collaborative and effective process. With a clear focus, patience, commitment, and the guidance of an AFC, you can build a stronger financial future and achieve the stability you deserve.

LaTonya Parsons, MA, AFC® is the Director of Education with AFCPE®. As she stated in her blog, you can find an AFC® professional at https://findanafc.org/.
LaTonya’s Socials: LinkedIn