1. Compensation: commission or fee based means they might sell you products that only meet suitability (ie: in the ballpark) requirements. Fee only means not just in the ballpark but the best seat for your needs (as a fiduciary). Fee only means no commissions. Know the way you'll pay.
2. Team model or stand alone model: pros and cons with both but if the team approach includes CPAs, CFPs, etc and MBAs, it is worth considering.
3. Is there a written financial plan available and done on site? If not, you have no blueprint and are probably dealing with a salesperson versus a person legally obligated to put your interests first.
4. All fees disclosed in writing up front and in advance for all investments. Are fees paid through your products purchased or billed separately? Billed separately might provide clarity.
5. All account agreements and contracts should be gone through line by line and clearly not state anything that could be adversarial, such as often found in standard brokerage agreements.
