Questions to Ask When Choosing a Fiduciary Financial Advisor in Hanover, PA

Hanover, PA, offers a tight-knit community feel with access to growing retirement populations, family-owned businesses, and a mix of professionals who all share something in common: managing money for the long haul. You may be planning for retirement, managing a recent windfall, or coordinating a complex estate plan. Choosing the right financial advisor can make a significant difference. Working with a fiduciary financial advisor in Hanover means partnering with someone who legally must act in your best interests. But not all fiduciaries are the same. Asking the right questions can help you determine which advisor is best suited to help you pursue your long-term financial goals.

Here are some essential questions to ask as you begin the process.

Are You a Fiduciary Advisor at All Times?

Not all financial advisors follow the same standard of care. Some, including fee-only advisors, always follow a fiduciary standard, meaning they must put your best interests first. Fee-only advisors do not sell financial products and do not accept commissions. Others, such as

securities brokers, follow a suitability standard, meaning the investment products they sell you must be suitable for you, even though better options may exist. Fee-based advisors, who are not the same as fee-only advisors, meet a fiduciary standard when providing advice but a suitability standard when selling investment products. The distinction matters because advisors who recommend “suitable” products may choose to recommend products that offer them a higher commission. Advisors who provide fee-only financial planning services should be able to answer “yes” without hesitation when asked if they act as a fiduciary at all times. They should also clearly explain any limitations to that standard, be transparent about how they receive compensation, and outline how their business model supports your best interests in every recommendation they make.

How Are You Compensated?

Understanding how an advisor earns their compensation is critical to identifying potential conflicts of interest. Commission-based advisors may receive compensation from a product provider for selling specific financial products, while fee-only fiduciary advisors receive payment directly from the client based on the client’s assets under management, a flat annual fee, or hourly billing.

Ask for a clear explanation of the advisor’s compensation structure:

• Is your compensation tied to products or services you recommend?
• Will I see all fees listed up front, or only after I invest?
• Are there additional costs for investment management, tax planning, or estate services?

A transparent fee structure allows you to assess the total cost of advice before making a commitment.

What Financial Services Do You Provide Beyond Investments?

Many people assume financial advisors are primarily investment managers. While investing is important, it should be part of a broader plan that includes tax strategy, retirement income planning, and estate planning.

A strong advisory relationship should also include coordination with CPAs or estate attorneys when needed. This is especially helpful for those managing multiple income streams, inherited wealth, or family business transitions. Firms that offer comprehensive wealth management typically provide a more cohesive and personalized experience.

Who Will I Work with Regularly?

Some advisory firms assign clients to a team. Others offer one-on-one relationships with a dedicated advisor. In both cases, you should know who your main contact will be, what their qualifications are, and how actively they will be involved in guiding your financial strategy. You will also want to understand how that relationship works in practice, including how often you will meet, how quickly they respond to questions, and whether they take a proactive approach to keeping you informed.

It’s reasonable to ask:

• Will I work with the same advisor consistently?
• What is their background, and how long have they worked with clients like me?
• What happens if my advisor is unavailable or leaves the firm?

If you are seeking long-term financial guidance, continuity and experience matter.

What Is Your Investment Philosophy?

Some advisors actively manage portfolios based on short-term market trends, while others use a passive, evidence-based strategy focused on long-term goals. Understanding an advisor’s investment philosophy is essential because it shapes how your portfolio is managed. Your advisor’s approach should align with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.

Ask your advisor to explain how they build portfolios and why. They should be able to outline their process for asset allocation, portfolio rebalancing, and how they incorporate tax efficiency into your overall investment strategy.

How Will You Help Me Prepare for Retirement?

You may be approaching retirement soon or already enjoying your post-career lifestyle. In either case, you need a retirement plan that supports your desired lifestyle, accommodates inflation, and minimizes taxes.

Ask specific questions such as:

• How do you structure retirement income?
• What accounts should I draw from first to minimize taxes?
• Can you help me with Roth conversions or Required Minimum Distributions?

A good advisor will take into account your retirement age, healthcare costs, local tax rules, and estate planning needs.

In Hanover, planning ahead for long-term care or managing a family legacy can also be an important part of the conversation.

Can You Help With Tax Strategy?

Taxes affect nearly every financial decision, from how your investments are structured to how you pass wealth to your heirs. Even small choices, such as the timing of account withdrawals or how assets are held, can influence your overall tax burden and long-term results.

However, not all financial advisors have the experience or infrastructure to provide proactive tax guidance. Look for an advisor who offers integrated tax advisory and preparation services or works closely with in-house tax professionals to deliver coordinated support.

This is especially important if your financial picture includes multiple income sources, business ownership, charitable giving strategies, or plans for multigenerational wealth transfer. An advisor who understands both your portfolio and your tax exposure can help you make smarter and more efficient decisions year after year.

What Makes You Different From Other Financial Advisors in Hanover?

There are many financial advisors serving Hanover and the surrounding areas. The advisor you choose should be able to clearly explain what makes their approach unique and why it is the best fit for your goals.

You might hear about their fiduciary commitment, independence, planning process, or client communication style. They may emphasize being employee-owned, their evidence-based investment strategies, or their focus on lifelong financial guidance.

These conversations can help you find an advisor who understands your financial objectives and aligns with your values.

Schedule a Call with a Fiduciary Financial Advisor in Hanover, PA

Finding the right financial advisor in Hanover is not about picking the one with the most credentials or the fanciest office. It is about finding someone who listens, asks smart questions, and gives clear, objective advice based on your priorities.

At Savant Wealth Management, we take pride in our fiduciary duty, personalized service, and commitment to helping Hanover families, retirees, and business owners pursue their financial goals. Our advisors offer a full suite of services, including financial planning, investment management, tax strategy, and estate planning, all tailored to your specific circumstances. Ready to build a strategy that puts your interests first? Schedule a call with a financial advisor in Hanover today and start creating a comprehensive plan for your future.