“I know what you’re thinking: ‘Is it down six hundred points or only five?’ Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement, I’ve kinda lost track myself. But being we’re in the middle of the most volatile market ever, and could blow your options clean out, you’ve got to ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well, do ya, punk?” –Dirty Harry, 1971 (sort of)
Some other more down to earth questions your prospective money coach, advisor or financial planner should answer:
- What is your background?
- What qualifies you to give financial advice?
- Why should I listen to you?
- What makes you any better than the others?
- Once I buy your widget, will you ever call me again?
- Why should I believe you?
- What will you do when I go off the track?
- Why should I trust you?
- Why are you telling me I should only keep 5% in cash?
- Can you explain the tax benefits to me?
- 5.75% off the top is awfully expensive…what do I get for that?
- Do you make money even when I lose money?
- Where do you get your research?
- What is your net after tax portfolio return?
- Why are you charging me so much?
- How much have your recommendations outpaced inflation?
- Is my money safe?
- What do you do for 1.5% a year?
- Do you have a published service agenda?
- Do you stick to it?
- Do you have a sell-side strategy?
- If I do make money, what is your plan to help me keep it?
- Do you have any FINRA complaints from your clients?
- How does this commission compare with all the other things you have?
- What makes this managed mutual fund better than an ETF?
- Can you convince me that active is consistently better than passive?
- Do you feel lucky?
And so many more. 
Do you ask questions that make your advisor squirm?