5 Questions to Help You Find a Values-Aligned Financial Advisor

Why Work with a Financial Advisor?

You might consider hiring a financial advisor during key life transitions—such as marriage or divorce, having children, or receiving new investable assets through an inheritance, IPO, acquisition, or other liquidity event. Other common reasons include:

• Navigating complex finances like retirement planning, charitable giving (e.g., Donor-Advised Funds), or tax strategies

• Seeking exposure to specific asset classes or impact themes

• Experiencing financial anxiety and wanting the support of someone who understands your full financial picture

Most financial advisors require a minimum account size, typically ranging from $100,000 to $5,000,000.

Three Key Criteria When Choosing Any Financial Advisor

1. Fiduciary Duty
   Choose an advisor who is a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). RIAs are legally required to act in your best financial interest under the fiduciary standard. This differs from the suitability standard, where recommendations only need to be “suitable,” not necessarily best for you.

2. Commission Structure
   Ask if the advisor receives commissions for recommending certain products. For example, stockbrokers may earn commissions when clients invest in specific mutual funds, creating potential conflicts of interest. Advisors who earn commissions are not held to the fiduciary standard—so ask clearly.

3. Fees and Costs
   Most advisors charge a percentage of assets under management (AUM), often on a sliding scale (e.g., 1.25% for portfolios under $500k, decreasing with larger portfolios). Others charge flat or hourly fees. Make sure you ask for a clear explanation of how their fees work—and how they’re paid.

✅ Bottom line: Confirm that your advisor is an RIA and ask exactly how they are compensated.

Additional Questions to Consider

If you're ready to go deeper with a potential advisor, these follow-up questions can help you assess the depth of their expertise and alignment with your values.

Experience & Philosophy

• How did you become interested in impact or values-aligned investing?

• How long have you been offering values-aligned investment services?

• What percentage of your current assets under management (AUM) is values-aligned?

Investment Options & Strategy

• Can you share specific examples of values-aligned investments across asset classes?

• Which asset classes do you offer values-aligned options in?

• Can you name specific asset managers (funds) or individual stocks you might recommend that align with my goals?

• Do you offer direct investments in private companies that reflect client values?

Fit & Logistics

• What is your typical account size?

• What is your minimum account size?

• What is your total assets under management (AUM)?

• Which asset classes do you work with overall?

A Tool to Help You Find a Values-Aligned Advisor

ValuesAdvisor is a nonprofit platform designed to help you find a Financial Advisor who understands both your financial goals and your desire to invest with purpose. Whether you're looking to align your portfolio with causes like climate action, racial equity, or regenerative agriculture, ValuesAdvisor connects you with professionals who specialize in values-aligned investing.

We offer a carefully vetted, curated list of advisors—no paid placements, no hidden agendas, and no personal data collection. Just a clear, trusted resource to help you find the right advisor for your values. 

How to Access ValuesAdvisor

There are currently two ways to access the ValuesAdvisor platform:

Join Through a Partner Group
Members of ValuesAdvisor’s partner organizations receive complimentary access as a benefit. Some groups—like Invest for Better—are free to join.
👉 See our current list of partners here to check your eligibility.

Or Subscribe as an Individual
If you're not part of a partner group, you can purchase a subscription directly. Visit valuesadvisor.org to learn more.

Recommended Reading

• The Seven Attributes of a Values-Aligned Advisor – From Activate Your Money by Janine Firpo