Why the People Closest to You Should Know Your Financial Advisor
Introducing someone close to you to your financial advisor gives them a familiar person to contact if you need help handling your financial affairs. It is also an opportunity to share your wishes while you can guide the conversation.
Maybe that person is your spouse, an adult child, a sibling, or a close friend. Whoever you would turn to, a simple introduction can help them feel more prepared, without sharing every detail of your finances.
When should you make the introduction?
A good time is before an illness, emergency, or major life change makes the conversation urgent.
A routine review, brief phone call, or casual client event can be a comfortable place to start. The goal is to establish a connection, so the person you would turn to knows whom to call if questions arise.
What should you discuss?
Start with your wishes, important contacts, and how you would like that person involved.
A first conversation might cover:
Who your financial advisor is and how to reach the office.
Where important documents and professional contact information are kept.
When you would welcome help with financial matters.
What information you are comfortable sharing.
You do not need to answer every question at once. Simply knowing where to turn can be a useful first step.
Does an introduction give someone access to your accounts?
No. Meeting your advisor does not give someone permission to receive private account information or make decisions for you.
Any authorization requires separate consideration and appropriate documentation. Your advisor can explain the firm’s procedures, and your attorney can help with legal documents when needed.
You remain in control of what you share and whom you involve.
What if talking about money feels uncomfortable?
Keep the invitation simple and practical.
You might say: “I’d like you to meet my financial advisor so you know whom to contact if I ever need your help. We don’t need to go through all the numbers.”
This can also be an opportunity to ask whether that person is comfortable helping and what they would need to feel prepared.
Start with a simple introduction
Helping the people closest to you prepare can begin with a name, a face, and a conversation.
Our upcoming flower arranging client event offers a relaxed opportunity to introduce someone close to you to the D. Gates Wealth Management team. Enjoy time together, create something beautiful, and make a connection that may be helpful in the years ahead.