Is Your Financial Planner Actually Successful?
In this segment, Mike Milligan advises prospective clients to directly inquire about a financial planner’s own net worth and personal financial habits before engaging their services. He argues that a trustworthy adviser should be able to demonstrate that they practice the same financial principles they recommend to clients—such as having retirement savings, minimal debt, and not living paycheck‑to‑paycheck. Milligan suggests using a “mirror” line of questioning: ask the planner to disclose their net worth, debt levels, retirement accounts, and overall financial stability. This helps clients gauge whether the adviser truly embodies the advice they give, rather than merely showcasing a flashy lifestyle. The core message is that educated clients should feel confident to ask these personal finance questions to ensure they are working with a financially responsible professional.
