Vetting a Financial Advisor
Searching for the best financial advisor in Mesa, AZ? Before hiring someone to manage your money, you’ll want to ask some key questions. At DecisionPoint Financial, we obsess over one question:
“How can we best take care of our clients?”
As a firm, we’re proud of what we do and how we do it. Here’s how we answer the 10 questions every smart investor should ask when looking for a financial advisor:
1. Are you a fiduciary?
Yes. 100%. Always. As a fee-only fiduciary firm, we are legally and ethically required to put your best interests first. We take no commissions, no kickbacks, and no product-based compensation. Every recommendation we make is designed with one goal: to help YOU succeed financially.
2. How do you help clients avoid emotional investing mistakes?
Market swings are inevitable—but panic doesn’t have to be. At DecisionPoint Financial, we set clear expectations from day one, helping clients understand that volatility is a feature of investing, not a flaw. We combine behavioral coaching, educational tools, and years of statistical data to keep you grounded when headlines get loud.
When emotions run high, we pick up the phone. Our clients know they can reach out anytime—and they do. We’ve helped dozens stay the course during uncertain times, and many have called us later to say: “Thank you for keeping me in my seat.”
No one can predict the market—not us, not you, not the talking heads. But we can control your plan, your behavior, and your outcomes. That is where the real value lives.
3. How are you paid?
We are fee-only financial planners—no product sales, ever. You pay for advice, not transactions. Upfront, transparent pricing based on assets under management. Zero commissions. Period.
4. Who do you work with best?
We specialize in working with business owners, young professionals, individuals and families building toward financial freedom. On the 401(k) side, we also manage retirement plans for large and small businesses.
If you’re serious about getting intentional with your financial life – We’re for you!
5. What services do you offer?
Think beyond investing. We provide comprehensive financial planning for our clients, and we have seen the value it adds to their lives. Some areas we specialize in include:
- Cash flow planning
- Retirement planning
- Tax planning
- Tax-smart investment management
- Equity compensation planning
- Estate planning and strategy
- Small business owner strategies
We love simplifying complex topics and providing a clear path forward for every stage of life.
6. What credentials do you have?
Every advisor on our team is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®). No sales reps. Just real professionals who meet the highest standards in the industry. Curious what makes a CFP® different? Check out this article from Investopedia: What Is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)?
7. What’s your investment philosophy?
Evidence-based. Low-cost. Tax-efficient. We don’t chase headlines. We build globally diversified portfolios using low-cost, diversified funds backed by decades of academic research.
We consider tax implications, asset locations, expense ratios, and your personal timeline and financial goals to select the right portfolio for you. We prioritize transparency and education—no black-box strategies, no hidden fees. Just clear, research-driven investing that helps you stay the course with confidence.
8. How often will we meet or talk?
We typically meet with clients 1-2x per year depending on their needs, but we are always here when you need us. Whether it’s a phone call with your advisor, or a one-off meeting due to a life change or a concern, we want to be here for you. At DecisionPoint, you get access when you need it.
9. What’s your client experience like?
At DecisionPoint, you get personalized attention, real-time access to your financial dashboard, and a team that’s obsessed with making your goals happen. Our dedicated client experience team ensures your onboarding is smooth and effortless, and they continue to partner closely with you and your advisor to provide ongoing support tailored to your unique needs.
10. What’s your succession plan?
DecisionPoint is built to last. With no broken out, individual books of business, we work as a team to take care of you. That means your relationship isn’t tied to just one advisor. It’s supported by an entire team who knows your plan, your goals, and your story.
Your financial life is too important to depend on one person—we’ve built a firm, not just a practice.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You’re welcome to call us directly at 480-553-6249. No phone tress, no waiting. Just real people picking up the phone and having a conversation about how we can best help you.