What to Seek in a Financial Advisor

Objectivity: Does the information provided to you appear to be in your best interests and be free of any conflicts of interest? Is the advisor open to discussing products and solutions that may fall outside of their area of focus and expertise if it makes sense for you? The fiduciary question is a good starting point.
Patience: A good advisor will take the time to educate you. Annuities are confusing, so the sales process may take quite awhile. A good advisor should have no problem with the slow pace.
Competence: You obviously want someone who knows what they are doing and who is confident, respectful and articulate in conversation. That said, no one has all the answers and the willingness of an advisor to say “I’ll get back to you on that question” is a good indication.
Willingness to Educate: Look for someone who is more teacher than salesperson—someone who is excited about the topic and has a genuine desire to spread the word and help you learn.
Experience: The number of years and type of experience counts quite a bit—the more the better.
Financial Planning First: Understanding your needs through the financial planning process should come before any product recommendations. Find someone who excels in financial planning.
Tax Knowledge: Taxes are a crucial aspect of any finance-related discussion—particularly annuities. The tax implications of various types of annuities are complicated and involve a great amount of detail. A good financial advisor will have a solid grasp of tax-related issues.
Employer Quality: Employer reputation is important and it is often simple to research.
Multiple Products: With annuities, find a financial advisor who is able to represent and sell multiple products (variable, immediate, longevity, etc).
Company Affiliation: Find an advisor who represents multiple high quality insurance companies.
Professional Certification and Credentials: Some carry weight but many do not. The Certified Financial Planner (“CFP”) credential is meaningful.