The #1 Question You Should Ask Before Hiring a Financial Planner
When most people meet with a financial planner for the first time, they focus on the same set of questions:
“What kind of returns can you get me?”
“What do you charge?”
“What’s your track record?”
These are fine — but they’re not the most important questions you can ask.
If you want to make the most of your money, the question that matters most is:
“How will you help me keep more of what I earn?”
Because here’s the truth: It’s not about what you make — it’s about what you keep.
Why This Question Matters
Taxes touch every single part of your financial life — from the paycheck you bring home, to the gains in your investment account, to the legacy you leave behind.
You could have a portfolio that’s up 10%, but if you’re losing a big chunk of those gains to taxes every year, you’re not getting ahead.
A great financial planner isn’t just an investment manager. They’re a strategist who knows how to structure your finances in a way that minimizes taxes and maximizes what stays in your pocket.
What to Look For in an Answer
When you ask this question, listen closely to how the planner responds:
Do they have a specific tax planning process?
Can they explain it in plain language?
Do they consider your full financial picture, not just investments?
If their answer is vague — “Oh, we’re tax aware” — that’s a red flag. You want someone who can walk you through examples, past results, and strategies tailored to your situation.
The Right Planner Does More Than Invest Your Money
A planner with real tax expertise will:
Help you decide when and how to take income.
Show you ways to reduce taxable gains on investments.
Help you choose the right retirement accounts to fund first.
Plan for future tax law changes so you’re not caught off guard.
This kind of planning doesn’t just save you money this year — it compounds over decades, giving you more financial security and more freedom to do what you love.