Five Questions to Ask Your Matched Fiduciary Financial Advisor During Intro Call

So, you’ve completed RiaFin’s quick 2-minute questionnaire and got matched with a fiduciary financial advisor — congratulations! 🎉

That’s the first step toward more clarity and confidence in your financial life.

But what comes next is just as important — your introductory call with the advisor.

This isn’t a sales call. It’s your chance to:

• Understand the advisor’s expertise and approach,
  
• Share your financial goals and priorities,
  
• And ensure there’s genuine fit — professionally and personally.
  

In this article, we’ll show you how to make the most of that first conversation, including five key questions to ask and how to interpret the answers.

You’ll also see how RiaFin ensures that every conversation starts with trust, transparency, and your goals at the center.

Section 1: Why the Intro Call Matters More Than You Think

Many people think of the “free intro call” as a small step before the real work begins.

But in reality, this is the most important 20–30 minutes of your financial planning journey.

It’s not about technical jargon or numbers — it’s about alignment.

A good advisor match will:

• Understand your goals without judgment,
  
• Communicate clearly and simply,
  
• Explain their process transparently, and
  
• Make you feel heard.
  

A poor fit, on the other hand, will leave you more confused than confident.

That’s why the right questions can make or break your experience.

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Section 2: Setting the Stage for Your Call

Before you hop on the call, take a minute to:

• Review the advisor’s RiaFin profile — note their expertise, credentials, and years of experience.
  
• Write down your top 3 financial concerns (e.g., debt, retirement, tax optimization).
  
• Be open and honest — fiduciary advisors are here to help, not judge.
  

Remember, this call is about you interviewing them, not the other way around.

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Section 3: Five Questions That Maximize Your Match

Let’s get into the core of this article — the five key questions to ask your advisor during your intro call.

These aren’t generic questions like “What’s your experience?” — they’re designed to uncover fit, philosophy, and fiduciary alignment.

Question 1: “Can you walk me through how you typically work with clients like me?”

This question helps you understand the advisor’s process, not just their personality.

A fiduciary advisor should:

• Listen carefully before recommending anything.
  
• Focus on understanding your goals, not selling products.
  
• Have a structured approach — discovery, planning, implementation, and review.

Example of a strong answer:

Typically, I start with a goal-mapping session to understand your short-term and long-term priorities. Then, I build a customized plan around those goals, covering investments, debt, tax, and insurance. I review the plan annually to keep it updated.

That shows process, professionalism, and accountability.

Red flag answer:

I usually recommend some good funds or insurance products that work for most people.

That indicates product-first, not client-first thinking.

Question 2: “How do you charge for your services — and are you fee-only or commission-based?”

Transparency about fees and compensation is the cornerstone of fiduciary ethics.

Every fiduciary financial advisor and planner (SEBI RIA and CFP) is required to disclose this upfront, but asking directly helps you build comfort and clarity.

What to look for:

• Fee-only advisors charge a flat fee, hourly rate, or percentage of assets under management (AUM).
  
• Fee-based advisors might earn small commissions from products, but they should disclose it clearly.
  

The key is transparency.

Example of a strong answer:

I’m a fee-only fiduciary. My charges are ₹10,000 for a one-time financial plan or 1% of AUM for ongoing portfolio management. I receive no commissions from any investment or insurance company.

That’s clear, specific, and conflict-free.

Red flag answer:

Don’t worry about fees right now — I’ll handle everything later.

If they avoid the topic, it’s a signal that your interests may not come first.

Question 3: “What areas do you specialize in — and how do you typically help people with my goals?”

This question helps ensure expertise alignment.

A good advisor doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. They focus on areas where they’ve built deep experience.

You might be:

• A young professional juggling debt and investments,
  
• A couple planning for retirement,
  
• A small business owner managing taxes and liquidity, or
  
• A retiree looking for stability and income.

Each requires a different kind of guidance.

Example of a strong answer:

Most of my clients are mid-career professionals balancing family goals, EMIs, and long-term wealth creation. I help them optimize investments, reduce taxes, and plan for retirement — all integrated into one roadmap.

This shows clarity, focus, and empathy.

Red flag answer:

I handle everything — insurance, trading, loans, whatever you need.

That’s a sign of generalization without depth.

Question 4: “How do you assess my risk tolerance and investment comfort?”

A great advisor doesn’t push investments — they understand how much risk you’re comfortable taking.

Risk tolerance assessment isn’t a gut feeling. It’s a structured discussion involving:

• Your income stability,
  
• Family responsibilities,
  
• Investment experience,
  
• Psychological comfort with market fluctuations.

Example of a strong answer:

I use a risk questionnaire that evaluates your comfort level with volatility, time horizon, and liquidity needs. I then map your portfolio to match your unique risk profile — not a one-size-fits-all model.

This approach ensures your investments are aligned with your temperament, not just market trends.

Red flag answer:

You’re young — you should just go 100% equity.

That’s not advice. That’s assumption.

A fiduciary advisor personalizes, not generalizes.

Question 5: “How do taxes and insurance fit into your overall planning process?”

This question separates transactional advisors from holistic planners.

True fiduciary advisors don’t just talk investments — they integrate:

• Tax efficiency (like using ELSS, NPS, or capital gains planning), and
  
• Risk protection (like term life and health insurance strategies).

Example of a strong answer:

Taxes and insurance are part of every plan I create. I help you structure your investments for long-term tax efficiency and ensure adequate insurance coverage to protect your family and financial goals.

That’s a comprehensive approach.

Red flag answer:

I don’t handle taxes or insurance — just investments.

That’s incomplete planning. A fiduciary advisor may not sell insurance but will incorporate it into your overall financial strategy.

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Section 4: Bonus Questions (If Time Permits)

If your conversation flows well and time allows, these extra questions can add valuable context:

1. “How often do we review the plan?”
   
   You’re looking for ongoing engagement, not a one-time setup.

2. “Do you help with implementation or just advice?”
   
   Some advisors execute investment strategies, others provide the plan and let you handle execution. Both are fine — just be clear on expectations.

3. “What’s your communication style?”
   
   Monthly check-ins? Annual reviews? WhatsApp updates?
   
   Compatibility matters more than you think.

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Section 5: Example Conversation — What a Great Intro Call Sounds Like

Let’s imagine two brief (fictional) scenarios.

Scenario A: The Right Fit

Client: “I’m in my early 40s, with two school-going kids. I’ve got some SIPs, but I’m unsure if they align with my long-term goals.”

Advisor: “Got it. Let’s start by mapping your existing investments to your goals — children’s education, retirement, and maybe a home upgrade? I’ll also check for overlaps and risk exposure. Then, we’ll look at tax-saving opportunities you might be missing.”

✅ Clear. Personalized. Fiduciary approach.

Scenario B: The Wrong Fit

Client: “I’m in my 40s, with kids and some SIPs. I’m looking for holistic guidance.”

Advisor: “You should try this new ULIP — it’s giving great returns right now.”

🚫 Sales pitch. Not fiduciary.

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Section 6: How to Make Every Intro Call Count

Every advisor on RiaFin’s platform has already passed through a multi-layered vetting process covering:

• Credentials verification (CFP®, SEBI RIA, CFA, CA, etc.),
  
• Experience matching (retirement, tax, debt, insurance), and
  
• Ethical screening (Fiduciary Oath, transparent fee disclosure, and client reviews).
  

When you schedule your intro call, you’re already most of the times speaking to someone:

• Verified and credentialed,
  
• Legally obligated to act in your best interest, and
  
• Professionally aligned with your goals.

That means you don’t waste time weeding through misaligned advisors — RiaFin’s system already did that work for you.

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Section 7: Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Call

Here are a few traps to sidestep:

1. Talking only about returns.
   
   Focus on strategy, not just numbers.

2. Not asking about fees upfront.
   
   You have every right to know exactly how the advisor is compensated.

3. Holding back details.
   
   Be transparent about income, debt, and goals. Fiduciary advisors work best with full information.

4. Rushing to commit.
   
   Take time after the call to reflect. The best advisors won’t pressure you.

5. Skipping preparation.
   
   Write down your questions in advance — it helps steer the conversation with purpose.

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Section 8: Turning Insight into Action

After the call, take a few minutes to reflect:

• Did the advisor listen well and understand your situation?
  
• Were they transparent about fees and process?
  
• Did they focus on your goals, not their products?
  
• Did you feel comfortable and respected?
  

If the answer is “yes” to all, you’ve likely found a great match.

If something felt off, RiaFin makes it easy to explore other verified advisors — no pressure, no lock-ins.

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Section 9: Illustrative Examples — Two Different Clients, Two Different Calls

Let’s bring this to life with two fictional examples — purely for illustration.

These are not real individuals; they’re representative profiles meant to show how different needs lead to different advisor conversations.

Case Example A — The Young Professional

A 28-year-old working professional has just started saving and wants to invest smartly for the long term.

They’re unsure about tax-saving options and haven’t yet purchased insurance.

Through RiaFin, they got matched with a fee-only CFP® who specializes in helping young earners.

During their intro call, they ask:

• How can I balance savings with investments?
  
• Should I buy term insurance first or start SIPs?
  
• How do I save tax under the old vs. new regime?

The advisor helps them prioritize an emergency fund, affordable term insurance, and tax-efficient mutual funds.

The client leaves the call feeling clear, confident, and in control — not overwhelmed.

Case Example B — The Near-Retiree

A 52-year-old individual is approaching retirement. Their children are financially independent, but they’re unsure how to convert savings into a reliable income stream.

Their RiaFin match? A SEBI-registered retirement planner.

During their intro call, they ask:

• How can I minimize taxes on my pension income?
  
• What mix of equity and debt is right for me at this stage?
  
• Do I still need health insurance after retirement?

The advisor walks them through a phased withdrawal strategy, rebalances their portfolio to reduce risk, and reviews their health coverage to ensure adequate protection.

The outcome? A calm, structured path toward post-retirement security.

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Section 10: Making the Most of Your Intro Call

To wrap up, here’s your 5-step pre-call checklist:

1. ✅ Read the advisor’s RiaFin profile.
   
2. ✅ Write down your top 3 financial priorities.
   
3. ✅ Prepare these five questions.
   
4. ✅ Take notes during the call.
   
5. ✅ Reflect afterward — do you feel clarity, trust, and alignment?
   

If yes, you’ve just taken a massive step toward financial stability — with the right fiduciary guide by your side.

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Final Thoughts

Your first intro call isn’t about jargon or quick fixes — it’s about connection, clarity, and confidence.

By asking the right questions, you’re not just “meeting an advisor.”

You’re starting a partnership built on mutual trust and transparent advice.

And with RiaFin’s fiduciary-first marketplace, that partnership is already on solid ground.

Because here, you don’t have to wonder who’s on your side.

Everyone is — by design.