Describe your hopes and aspirations. Clarify what you want and need, and when you’ll need it.

Discuss what you’re willing to give up to achieve your goals, and what you’re not. Describe any hurdles or complexities that could stand in the way of achieving your objectives.

Define Your Relationship. Successful advisor-client relationships need active listening and hearing from both parties. Also, advisors and clients should decide up front whether they prefer to connect by phone, email, or in person, as well as how frequently they intend to do so.

Following Up. Decide together on next steps before concluding your conversations. Establish expectations about how to follow up. In addition to organizing your next conversation, your advisor should use simple language, free from industry jargon. Confirm that you understand everything that was said. Otherwise, speak up.

Ongoing Communication. Unexpected events can have an impact on your investments. Births, deaths, job changes, marriages, and divorces should be reported to your advisor as soon as possible, not just at scheduled meetings. Life is full of the unexpected, and you want your advisor to provide you with the best advice possible.