Will my savings last as long as I do?
67% of Americans now worry more about running out of money than about death.2
For retirement savings of $250K or more
Find a financial advisor you can trust with your retirement
Get matched with 2 to 3 pre-screened advisors near you. Meet them, compare their approach and fees, then choose the one who fits you best.
See my advisor matches- Free to use
- About 5 minutes
- No obligation to hire
You'll continue to the secure matching form of WiserAdvisor, an advisor referral service operating since 1998. Best suited to individuals and couples with $250,000 or more in savings and retirement accounts, including 401(k)s and IRAs.
Operating since 1998
SEC-registered referral firm1
Advisors screened for experience and record
Fee-only or fee-based advisors
You're not alone
If these questions are on your mind, a good advisor can help
Retirement brings a new set of decisions — and many of them are hard to undo.
When should I claim Social Security?
Waiting from 62 to 70 can raise your monthly benefit by more than 75% — for life.3
How do I turn my 401(k) into a steady paycheck?
The order you draw from your accounts affects both your taxes and how long your money lasts.
How much tax will I owe on withdrawals?
Withdrawals from traditional 401(k)s and IRAs are generally taxed as income, and required withdrawals begin in your 70s.
What if the market drops just as I retire?
A downturn in the first years of retirement can do more damage than the same drop later on.
What will health care cost me?
High health care costs are among the top retirement worries, cited by 53% of Americans.2
A good advisor helps you answer these in a written plan. Yet 48% of Americans don't have one.2
Choosing well
Why finding the right advisor is harder than it looks
Anyone can call themselves a “financial advisor”
The title on its own isn't regulated. What counts is registration, credentials and a clean record.
Not every advisor is paid the same way
Some charge a flat or percentage fee. Others earn commissions on the products they sell. How they're paid can shape the advice you get.
The first advisor you meet may not be the best fit
Comparing two or three side by side is the simplest way to find someone whose approach — and fees — suit you.
A matching service does the first round of screening for you, so you can spend your time comparing — not searching.
See my advisor matchesSimple and free
How it works
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Answer a few questions
Tell WiserAdvisor where you live, roughly how much you've saved and what you'd like help with — retirement income, investments and wealth management, or estate planning. It takes about five minutes.
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Receive 2 to 3 matches
After your request is verified, you'll get the names and backgrounds of pre-screened advisors near you by email or text.
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Meet, compare, decide
The advisors contact you to set up a free first consultation. Compare their approach and fees, then choose the one who's the best fit for you.
Vetted first
How advisors in the network are screened
Advisors can't simply pay to be listed. Before joining WiserAdvisor's matching network, they're reviewed on their experience, registration and record, and how they charge for their services.
Screening is a helpful first filter, not a guarantee. It's still worth asking every advisor the questions below.
- Years of experience
Matches come from established professionals.
- SEC or FINRA registration and record
Checked against regulatory registration and history.
- How they're paid
Advisors in the network are fee-only or fee-based.
- Where they work
So the advisors you meet are near you.
Free checklist
5 questions to ask any advisor before you hire
Take this list to your first meeting. A good advisor will be glad you asked.
“Are you a fiduciary at all times — and will you put that in writing?”
A fiduciary is required to act in your best interest, not just recommend something “suitable.”
“How exactly are you paid?”
A flat fee, an hourly rate, a percentage of your assets, commissions — or a mix.
“What will I pay in total each year, in dollars?”
Ask for a number, not just a percentage. A 1% fee on $500,000 is $5,000 a year.
“What credentials do you hold?”
Designations such as CFP®, CFA® or CPA/PFS require exams, experience and ongoing education.
“Can I see your Form ADV — and look you up?”
Anyone can check an advisor for free on the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure site and on FINRA BrokerCheck.
An honest fit check
Is this right for you?
A good fit if
- You have $250,000 or more in savings and retirement accounts
- You're retired, or plan to retire in the next 10 to 15 years
- You'd like ongoing, personal advice from a real person
- You already have an advisor and want a second opinion
Probably not the right fit if
- You're just starting to save or invest
- You have less than $250,000 saved. Many advisors set minimums; an hourly, fee-only planner may be a better first step.
- You're looking for a stock tip or a quick product purchase
Good questions
Frequently asked questions
Is it really free?
Yes. The matching service costs you nothing. WiserAdvisor is paid by the advisors in its network, and we may receive a referral fee from WiserAdvisor when you request a match. None of this is added to what you pay. If you decide to hire an advisor, you'll agree on their fees directly with them.
Will I get a lot of phone calls?
Your matched advisors — usually two or three — will contact you by phone, email or text to arrange a first conversation. WiserAdvisor says it shares your details only with the advisors you're matched with, not with a long list of companies.
What information will I be asked for?
Basic information about your situation and goals — such as your location, a rough range for your savings and what you'd like help with — plus your contact details so the advisors can reach you. Because the service is free, you won't be asked for credit card or billing information.
Do I have to hire one of the advisors?
No, there's no obligation. The best way to decide is to talk with each of your matches, then choose the advisor whose approach and fees suit you best.
I already work with an advisor. Can I still use this?
Yes. A match can be a simple way to get a second opinion on your plan, your fees or your investments.
Who is WiserAdvisor?
WiserAdvisor has helped people find financial advisors since 1998. It's operated by Respond.com, Inc., which is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser and refers people to independent advisers. It doesn't manage money itself.
Is this website giving me financial advice?
No. Second Look Retirement is an independent information site. We don't give investment, tax or legal advice, and we're not affiliated with any of the advisors you may be matched with.
Take the first step toward a plan you feel sure about
It takes about five minutes, costs nothing, and you're never obligated to hire.
See my advisor matchesFor individuals and couples with $250,000 or more in savings and retirement accounts.