How to Choose a Financial Advisor — and Why You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

For many successful families, the first question isn’t “Do I need a financial advisor?” It’s “Where on earth do I start?”

A simple search turns up thousands of options: Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), wealth managers at private banks, boutique firms, national firms, consultants, planners, and more. They all promise trust, performance, and bespoke solutions. And yet, for someone who has worked hard to build their wealth, choosing the right advisor feels less like hiring a service provider and more like entrusting a partner with your legacy.

So how do you know which advisor is right for you?

Start With What Matters Most to You

Advisors come in many shapes and sizes. Some are purely investment managers. Others provide broader wealth management, including retirement planning, estate considerations, and insurance. Still others are embedded in large institutions and can offer lending, alternative investments, and concierge-style access.

But before you compare résumés, you need to ask yourself:

• Do I want an advisor who primarily focuses on investments, or one who coordinates across tax, estate, and lifestyle needs?

• Do I prefer a boutique firm where I’m one of 50 clients, or a larger firm where I’m one of thousands?

• Do I want a team that specializes in families at my level of wealth — whether that’s $2 million or $100 million+?

These questions are the foundation of your search. Without them, the alphabet soup of credentials and firm names means very little.

Where Most Families Struggle

The challenge is that each advisor naturally presents themselves as the best option. An RIA will highlight independence. A bank-based wealth manager will emphasize resources. A boutique will promise personal attention.

But how do you verify which is right for you? Who actually reviews their fee structures? Who asks whether their investment philosophy aligns with your tax and estate plans? Who checks whether they have the bandwidth to serve you at the level you expect?

These are the due diligence steps most families either skip — or try to take on themselves, often without complete information.

How Select Advisors Institute Can Help

At Select Advisors Institute, we don’t replace your wealth manager or RIA — we help you find the right one and make sure they are delivering at the level you deserve.

As your Fractional Family Office President, Amy Parvaneh and her team can:

• Source and vet potential advisors based on your goals, values, and needs.

• Negotiate fees and terms on your behalf.

• Sit in on introductory and review meetings to ensure you’re getting clear, actionable information.

• Coordinate between your CPA, attorney, and advisor so nothing gets lost between the silos.

• Step in when an advisor is no longer the right fit and discreetly help you transition to a better solution.

In short: you don’t have to become the expert in how to choose an expert. That’s what we do for you.

The Questions You May Already Be Asking

If you’ve ever caught yourself wondering:

• Should I use a Registered Investment Advisor, a private bank, or a boutique wealth manager?

• What AUM level should I look for in a firm to ensure I’m not just a number?

• How do I know if my advisor is charging fair fees?

• Who can help me compare and transition without disrupting my life?

• Is there someone who can oversee all of my professionals and make sure they’re aligned?

…then you’re already halfway to understanding why this role matters.

Why You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Choosing a financial advisor is one of the most important decisions you can make. But it doesn’t have to be one you make without support. With the right guide, you’ll not only choose well — you’ll also know that someone is always watching to ensure your advisors remain aligned with your goals.

And that’s exactly what Amy Parvaneh and her team at Select Advisors Institute do: help successful families make confident decisions and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing everything is being handled.

Important Disclosure: Select Advisors Institute provides coordination and consulting services only. We do not provide investment advice, manage client assets, prepare tax returns, or provide legal services. All references to other professionals are illustrative. Clients should perform their own due diligence before engaging any third-party professional.