How To Find A Financial Advisor Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:22:40 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2342445 en-us © 2026 How To Find A Financial Advisor yes ceaf7c4a-dba2-5164-936e-30115b1a3976 kernan@hey.com Sean Kernan episodic false Finding a trustworthy financial advisor often feels daunting. Everywhere you look, from banks to online platforms, there seems to be someone offering financial advice. I'm Sean Kernan, and with over 20 years of experience in the industry, I've dedicated my career to navigating this complex landscape. 


My podcast, "How To Find A Financial Advisor," aims to demystify the process and guide you toward making informed choices.


The financial industry is crowded with professionals from various backgrounds. These range from insurance agents and bankers to accountants and even family members, each offering their own perspective on your financial planning. 


Through my podcast, I help you understand who you can trust and why. It's crucial to separate the good advice from the bad, and that's where I come in.


Having supervised other financial professionals for most of my career, I have seen the inner workings of the industry. This experience has given me a unique vantage point on what makes financial advice truly valuable. 


On the podcast, I draw on these insights to clear up common misconceptions about financial advisors. We delve into everything from determining if you need one at all to spotting warning signs that should make you reconsider your choices.


Our discussions are straightforward and aim to cut through the noise. With every episode, you'll gain clearer insights into what a reliable financial advisor should offer. The goal is to empower you with the knowledge to choose wisely.


Each episode tackles a different aspect of finding a financial advisor. We explore how to evaluate their credentials, understand their strategies, and align their services with your financial goals. This is essential for anyone looking to secure their financial future.


"I love learning about the good, the bad, and the ugly of financial advice" is more than just a saying for me. It's a professional mantra that drives the content of this podcast. By sharing both positive experiences and cautionary tales, I help listeners navigate the complex world of financial planning.


Listening to "How To Find A Financial Advisor" is like having a seasoned expert guide you through a maze. My aim is not just to provide answers but to equip you with the right questions to ask. This ensures you engage with financial advisors from a position of strength and knowledge.


We also discuss the practical side of financial advising. This includes how to effectively communicate with your advisor and set realistic expectations. Understanding these dynamics can significantly enhance the advisor-client relationship.


Join me, Sean Kernan, on this journey through the financial advisory landscape. Whether you’re establishing a new financial plan or refining an existing one, this podcast is your guide to doing it right. 


Tune in to transform your approach to choosing a financial advisor. With each episode, you'll move closer to finding someone who genuinely cares about your financial interests.





]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Sean Kernan kernan@hey.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/3m379o0tny4pnk9xy7ujag12qb74?.jpg How To Find A Financial Advisor What does "I am a fiduciary" even mean? What does "I am a fiduciary" even mean? Sean defines "fiduciary" with a little help from the Eternal Source of Truth - Wikipedia. Then he talks about financial advisors who are or aren't fiduciaries, and what that means for you.

]]> Sean defines "fiduciary" with a little help from the Eternal Source of Truth - Wikipedia. Then he talks about financial advisors who are or aren't fiduciaries, and what that means for you.

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-15247512 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400 531 5 1 full false How does AI affect how to find a financial advisor? How does AI affect how to find a financial advisor? Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-18969043 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400 1253 full false Stay tuned -- new stuff coming soon! Stay tuned -- new stuff coming soon! Guess who's (almost) back, guess who's (coming) back? Back again, almost back, almost back, almost back.... Stay tuned for new episodes very soon!

]]> Guess who's (almost) back, guess who's (coming) back? Back again, almost back, almost back, almost back.... Stay tuned for new episodes very soon!

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-18950298 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 19 full false The FASTEST and EASIEST way to confirm that your financial advisor is NOT running a scam The FASTEST and EASIEST way to confirm that your financial advisor is NOT running a scam Sean recounts a thread in one of his Facebook groups where a member was dealing with a case of fraud, and didn't know where some of his money was. Sean recommends asking two questions: Who holds my money? and Who prints my statements?

]]> Sean recounts a thread in one of his Facebook groups where a member was dealing with a case of fraud, and didn't know where some of his money was. Sean recommends asking two questions: Who holds my money? and Who prints my statements?

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-15265247 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 15:00:00 -0400 230 6 3 full false How to check a financial advisor's public disciplinary history How to check a financial advisor's public disciplinary history Sean wants you to know how to check up on your potential financial advisor — because you need to know as much as possible about the individual — using a tool called BrokerCheck.

]]> Sean wants you to know how to check up on your potential financial advisor — because you need to know as much as possible about the individual — using a tool called BrokerCheck.

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-15265225 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 15:00:00 -0400 999 6 2 full false What if I am wrong? DIY wills gone wrong What if I am wrong? DIY wills gone wrong Sean and Ben often ask themselves if they're actually helping their clients, or if they may have made a mistake. Ben had a client who was certain he could handle his estate planning needs on his own, without Ben. Spoiler alert: He didn't. 

]]> Sean and Ben often ask themselves if they're actually helping their clients, or if they may have made a mistake. Ben had a client who was certain he could handle his estate planning needs on his own, without Ben. Spoiler alert: He didn't. 

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-15265141 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 15:00:00 -0400 1548 5 5 full false If your financial advisor only recommends annuities, they aren't a financial planner or advisor If your financial advisor only recommends annuities, they aren't a financial planner or advisor Sean explains why someone who specializes in pushing annuities could be dangerous for your financial well-being — and the three red flags you need to be aware of.

]]> Sean explains why someone who specializes in pushing annuities could be dangerous for your financial well-being — and the three red flags you need to be aware of.

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-15265081 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 15:00:00 -0400 585 6 1 full false When you should definitely NOT invest in an annuity! When you should definitely NOT invest in an annuity! If you want to invest in an annuity, you need to have a solid reason to use this long-term financial vehicle.  And you should definitely have a financial advisor helping you determine if the annuity is your best option, or if another type of investment might better suit your needs.

]]> If you want to invest in an annuity, you need to have a solid reason to use this long-term financial vehicle.  And you should definitely have a financial advisor helping you determine if the annuity is your best option, or if another type of investment might better suit your needs.

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-15265048 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 15:00:00 -0400 295 5 4 full false Why you would want a CFP financial advisor — and 3 reasons it may not matter as much as you think Why you would want a CFP financial advisor — and 3 reasons it may not matter as much as you think Sean talks about why you may or may not want to work with a Certified Financial Planner as your financial advisor. A CFP license holder might be the best advisor for you. But does it really make a difference?

]]> Sean talks about why you may or may not want to work with a Certified Financial Planner as your financial advisor. A CFP license holder might be the best advisor for you. But does it really make a difference?

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-15265039 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 15:00:00 -0400 519 5 3 full false Pros & Cons of working with a newer financial advisor Pros & Cons of working with a newer financial advisor Sean gives you the ups and downs of hiring a less-experienced financial advisor. 

]]> Sean gives you the ups and downs of hiring a less-experienced financial advisor. 

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-15264741 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 14:00:00 -0400 479 5 2 full false When you would NOT want a fee-only financial advisor When you would NOT want a fee-only financial advisor Sean discusses the situations when you want a financial advisor who's paid on commission, and why fee-only shouldn't be a hard, fast limit for you.

]]> Sean discusses the situations when you want a financial advisor who's paid on commission, and why fee-only shouldn't be a hard, fast limit for you.

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-15264536 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 14:00:00 -0400 658 5 1 full false How to Think About Costs How to Think About Costs Sean and Ben chat about a simple question with a complicated answer: How much does it cost to do a Roth conversion? There are many ways to answer "How much will this cost?" and they can become overwhelming .

]]> Sean and Ben chat about a simple question with a complicated answer: How much does it cost to do a Roth conversion? There are many ways to answer "How much will this cost?" and they can become overwhelming .

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-15264482 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 14:00:00 -0400 2408 4 5 full false How to upgrade your financial advisor — at half the cost and twice the value How to upgrade your financial advisor — at half the cost and twice the value Sean discusses why you may be unhappy with your financial advisor and what to do in that situation. He's happy to help you navigate finding a new advisor who's a better fit for you.

]]> Sean discusses why you may be unhappy with your financial advisor and what to do in that situation. He's happy to help you navigate finding a new advisor who's a better fit for you.

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-15247474 Thu, 13 Jun 2024 18:00:00 -0400 490 4 3 full false Dirty little secrets of financial advisor compensation models Dirty little secrets of financial advisor compensation models Sean shares five secrets some financial advisors don't want you to know about in regards to their fees.

]]> Sean shares five secrets some financial advisors don't want you to know about in regards to their fees.

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-15247364 Thu, 13 Jun 2024 18:00:00 -0400 1058 4 2 full false The WRONG questions to ask a potential financial advisor The WRONG questions to ask a potential financial advisor Sean talks about questions that you absolutely do not want potential financial advisors to answer without asking a dozen questions back at you. 

]]> Sean talks about questions that you absolutely do not want potential financial advisors to answer without asking a dozen questions back at you. 

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-15247327 Thu, 13 Jun 2024 17:00:00 -0400 284 4 1 full false The 80/20 rule The 80/20 rule Sean and Ben discuss the 80/20 rule, or the Pareto Principle. Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto observed in 1906 that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by 20% of the population. He looked at other nations and saw that the ratio was the same. 

]]> Sean and Ben discuss the 80/20 rule, or the Pareto Principle. Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto observed in 1906 that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by 20% of the population. He looked at other nations and saw that the ratio was the same. 

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-15247246 Thu, 13 Jun 2024 17:00:00 -0400 1418 3 5 full false Beware of must-have lists for your financial advisor Beware of must-have lists for your financial advisor Sean addresses common must-have ideas around hiring a financial advisor, and why they can make you miss out on your ideal advisor.

]]> Sean addresses common must-have ideas around hiring a financial advisor, and why they can make you miss out on your ideal advisor.

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-15247190 Thu, 13 Jun 2024 17:00:00 -0400 733 3 4 full false Financial Advisor Fees - a surprisingly simple question to see if you're a good fit for an advisor Financial Advisor Fees - a surprisingly simple question to see if you're a good fit for an advisor Sean discusses the simple question to ask potential financial advisors, to see if they might be a good fit for you. 

]]> Sean discusses the simple question to ask potential financial advisors, to see if they might be a good fit for you. 

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-15247160 Thu, 13 Jun 2024 17:00:00 -0400 472 3 3 full false How to get 18 potential fit financial advisors in 24 hours How to get 18 potential fit financial advisors in 24 hours Sean brings up a case study of a relatively young couple looking for financial advisors. He can help you find financial advisors who could be a good fit for you. Don't hesitate to reach out!

]]> Sean brings up a case study of a relatively young couple looking for financial advisors. He can help you find financial advisors who could be a good fit for you. Don't hesitate to reach out!

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-15247125 Thu, 13 Jun 2024 17:00:00 -0400 255 3 1 full false The secret of interviewing a potential financial advisor The secret of interviewing a potential financial advisor Sean discusses the super secret question you should ask any potential financial advisor. In fact, it's so secret, he mentions it 20 seconds into the episode! 

]]> Sean discusses the super secret question you should ask any potential financial advisor. In fact, it's so secret, he mentions it 20 seconds into the episode! 

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-15247040 Thu, 13 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0400 585 2 4 full false Compared to what? Compared to what? Sean and Ben talk about the dangers of asking "Compared to what?" In Dallas in summer, it's hot. "Compared to what?" Compared to Alaska? Jupiter? your normal temperature? A refrigerator? The heart of a volcano?

]]> Sean and Ben talk about the dangers of asking "Compared to what?" In Dallas in summer, it's hot. "Compared to what?" Compared to Alaska? Jupiter? your normal temperature? A refrigerator? The heart of a volcano?

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-15247004 Thu, 13 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0400 2053 2 5 full false Why would you pay a 1% per year AUM financial advisor fee? Why would you pay a 1% per year AUM financial advisor fee? Sean explains specific fee structures and what they mean for your investment. For example, if you have $1.8 million in assets under management (AUM), you're paying $18,000/year in fees.

]]> Sean explains specific fee structures and what they mean for your investment. For example, if you have $1.8 million in assets under management (AUM), you're paying $18,000/year in fees.

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-14936852 Mon, 22 Apr 2024 17:00:00 -0400 633 full false How do I ask my financial advisor what my fees are? How do I ask my financial advisor what my fees are? Sean gives you advice about questions you should ask your financial advisor about their fee structure. It Includes not only how much the advisor earns, but also how much is paid to your investment vehicles, transaction fees, and more.

]]> Sean gives you advice about questions you should ask your financial advisor about their fee structure. It Includes not only how much the advisor earns, but also how much is paid to your investment vehicles, transaction fees, and more.

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-14936762 Mon, 22 Apr 2024 17:00:00 -0400 1061 2 2 full false Financial Advisor Fees - a surprisingly simple question to see if you're a good fit for an advisor Financial Advisor Fees - a surprisingly simple question to see if you're a good fit for an advisor Sean talks about how to approach your potential financial advisor's fees. It's important to initiate this conversation early in your interactions to understand how the advisor is compensated.  Understanding their complete fee schedule will help you understand the overall cost of their services and make sure there are no hidden surprises.

]]> Sean talks about how to approach your potential financial advisor's fees. It's important to initiate this conversation early in your interactions to understand how the advisor is compensated.  Understanding their complete fee schedule will help you understand the overall cost of their services and make sure there are no hidden surprises.

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-14936731 Mon, 22 Apr 2024 17:00:00 -0400 472 2 1 full false How to Make Perfect Short-Term Predictions How to Make Perfect Short-Term Predictions Sean and his colleague, Ben, discuss making short-term predictions - which people have no logical way to make. Even certified financial professionals can't predict whether the stock market is going to be up, down, or flat six months from now. 

]]> Sean and his colleague, Ben, discuss making short-term predictions - which people have no logical way to make. Even certified financial professionals can't predict whether the stock market is going to be up, down, or flat six months from now. 

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-14936627 Mon, 22 Apr 2024 17:00:00 -0400 2435 1 5 full false The surprisingly simple BEST way to evaluation a financial advisor The surprisingly simple BEST way to evaluation a financial advisor We all would prefer to work with people we Know, Like, and Trust. Getting the Trust phase takes time--and as you are working towards it, your experience will far smoother if you Like your advisor. Trust your gut in deciding when and how to go forward with someone.

]]> We all would prefer to work with people we Know, Like, and Trust. Getting the Trust phase takes time--and as you are working towards it, your experience will far smoother if you Like your advisor. Trust your gut in deciding when and how to go forward with someone.

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-14936582 Mon, 22 Apr 2024 17:00:00 -0400 397 1 4 full false How to find a financial advisor - evaluating the common questions you're told to ask How to find a financial advisor - evaluating the common questions you're told to ask If you ask anyone who has a financial advisor for the best tips on finding one who fits your style, they'll give you the questions you "just have to ask" before you choose one. Sean provides a deeper look into what typical advice you might hear and how to carefully question this guidance.

]]> If you ask anyone who has a financial advisor for the best tips on finding one who fits your style, they'll give you the questions you "just have to ask" before you choose one. Sean provides a deeper look into what typical advice you might hear and how to carefully question this guidance.

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-14936560 Mon, 22 Apr 2024 17:00:00 -0400 959 1 3 full false Questions to ask yourself before finding a financial advisor Questions to ask yourself before finding a financial advisor Settling your wants and needs from a financial advisor is crucial — because for all intents and purposes, they'll be your partners in ensuring your financial future. Want to retire at 40? Tour the world? Make sure your kids can go to Harvard? Financial advisors can help you reach any or all of those big dreams.

]]> Settling your wants and needs from a financial advisor is crucial — because for all intents and purposes, they'll be your partners in ensuring your financial future. Want to retire at 40? Tour the world? Make sure your kids can go to Harvard? Financial advisors can help you reach any or all of those big dreams.

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-14936332 Mon, 22 Apr 2024 17:00:00 -0400 625 1 2 full false Do I need a financial advisor? Do I need a financial advisor? Join Sean Kernan as he answers all the burning questions about finding and working with a financial advisor. In this episode, he answers the burning question on many peoples' minds — whether they even need a financial advisor in the first place.

]]> Join Sean Kernan as he answers all the burning questions about finding and working with a financial advisor. In this episode, he answers the burning question on many peoples' minds — whether they even need a financial advisor in the first place.

]]> Sean Kernan Buzzsprout-14935364 Mon, 22 Apr 2024 14:00:00 -0400 962 1 1 full false