Guides
What “fee-only” really means (and how to check it)Fee-only, fee-based and commission advisers explained, with the exact Form ADV boxes that tell you how a firm is paid.How to read an adviser's Form ADV, brochure and Form CRSA plain-English map of the three documents every registered adviser must give you, and the sections worth reading first.How to check a financial adviser's registration and recordUse IAPD, BrokerCheck and your state regulator to confirm registration and read disciplinary history in context.Questions to ask a fee-only financial adviser before you hire themFees, fiduciary duty, services, minimums, custody and conflicts — what to ask and what the answers should sound like.