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5 Traits That Set an Exceptional Financial Advisor Apart

Let the experts at Cerity Partners assist you in evaluating whether your advisor is meeting the high standards you deserve.

It’s easy to be a good partner when things are going well. It’s the tough times that test the strength and value of a relationship. This sentiment applies not only to your personal life but also your finances. Effective wealth management requires the assistance of an all-weather advisor—someone who embraces their role during both bull and bear markets to help you achieve your financial goals.

1

Master Planners

Have a plan for good and bad times. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but you and your advisor need to agree on how you will It doesn’t have to be complicated, but you and your advisor need to agree on how you will respond when things get tough. It matters less what the plan is, so long as you understand and agree to it, and it serves your interests above all else.

2

Embrace the Tough Talks

Nobody’s a fan of chatting about dwindling account balances, but it’s the nature of the financial beast. When bears dominate the scene, the finest advisors are candid and forthright, well-aware that your choices could make or break your long-term prosperity.

3

Preemptive Communicators

Outdoing themselves by more than just answering your calls, the finest advisors communicate proactively. Be it general economic updates, market news, or portfolio reviews, your finance guide should be reaching out to you before you feel the urge to send up a flare for assistance.

4

Advocates of Inaction When It's the Best Move

In trying financial times, some advisors might cave to client concerns, making inconsequential changes to their portfolio or plan. However, competent advisors hold their ground, present their rationale, and advocate for inaction when it best serves your interests.

5

Seize the Silver Lining

It’s bizarre to think of downturns as planning prospects, but they often are. From tax-loss harvesting to Roth IRA conversions, sinking asset prices could be your ticket to shrinking present and future tax obligations.

Is Your Evaluation Result Satisfactory?

If you’ve ticked all five boxes, congratulations! You’ve found yourself an all-weather financial virtuoso. They’ll stand by you through thick and thin, helping you triumphantly sail through whatever the future holds. If your advisor falls short of the standards mentioned above, have a candid chat about your expectations. And if they can’t (or won’t) provide the support you require, it’s time to scout for an advisor who will.

Meet Meg Rowley

Meg is a Partner and the Practice Leader for the Chicago office. She has more than twenty-five years of experience in managing client relationships...Read more

Meet Meg
Meg Rowley

Please read important disclosures here.

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Book a 30 minute, no-obligation meeting.

Schedule your complimentary 30-minute discovery call so we can understand your unique financial and life goals and match you with the advisor most well suited to help.

Request an Introduction

Your Introduction to a Trusted Financial Partner Awaits

Our Concierge Program offers a simple, personalized approach to finding your ideal financial advisor.

Schedule your complimentary 30-minute discovery call so we can understand your unique financial goals and match you with an advisor well suited to your needs.

Dustin Ribergaard's headshot

Dustin Ribergaard

Principal & Client Experience Director

Stephanie Bellisario's headshot

Stephanie Bellisario

Principal & Client Experience Director

Find your ideal financial advisor with our personalized Concierge Program.

Schedule a complimentary discovery call now:

Book Time Online Now

Book your meeting

This 30-minute call with me is designed to better understand your unique financial and life goals and match you with the advisor most well suited to help.

Looking forward to
speaking with you!

Dustin Ribergaard

Principal & Client Experience Director

Dustin Ribergaard's headshot

Thank you for your interest

Thank you for your interest in our financial services. We appreciate the opportunity to connect and learn about your financial goals. A representative will be in touch to discuss your financial needs.

Thank you for booking a meeting with us!

We look forward to connecting with you soon.

Here are some valuable insights to read before your meeting

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Video: September 2026 Economic and Market Outlook

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Your Introduction to a Trusted Financial Partner Awaits

Our Concierge Program offers a simple, personalized approach to finding your ideal financial advisor.

Schedule your complimentary 30-minute discovery call so we can understand your unique financial goals and match you with an advisor well suited to your needs.

Dustin Ribergaard's headshot

Dustin Ribergaard

Principal & Client Experience Director

Stephanie Bellisario's headshot

Stephanie Bellisario

Principal & Client Experience Director

Find your ideal financial advisor with our personalized Concierge Program.

Schedule a complimentary discovery call now:

Book Time Online Now

Book your meeting

This 30-minute call with me is designed to better understand your unique financial and life goals and match you with the advisor most well suited to help.

Looking forward to
speaking with you!

Dustin Ribergaard

Principal & Client Experience Director

Dustin Ribergaard's headshot

Thank you for your interest

Thank you for your interest in our financial services. We appreciate the opportunity to connect and learn about your financial goals. A representative will be in touch to discuss your financial needs.

Thank you for booking a meeting with us!

We look forward to connecting with you soon.

Here are some valuable insights to read before your meeting

blog image background

James Lebenthal

Partner & Chief Market Strategist

Economic and Market Outlooks

Video: September 2026 Economic and Market Outlook

September 3, 2026 - Partner and Chief Market Strategist Jim Lebenthal shares our September outlook on the financial markets and economy, expressing optimism for the remainder of the year…

blog image background

Daniel Nolan

Partner & Vice Chairman

Incentive Stock Options

How Executives Can Mitigate Single-Stock Risk With Tax Efficiency

August 18, 2026 - For executives of public companies, a large source of wealth is derived from stock options, performance shares, restricted stock, and other stock-based compensation. In these…

blog image background
Individuals and Families

The Difference Between Financial Advisors at Registered Investment Advisers and Broker-Dealers

September 1, 2026 - A key decision when engaging a financial advisor is based on understanding which legal structure they operate under. There are two main types of wealth…

  • General inquiries: click here
  • Institutions and non-profits: click here
  • Corporations: click here

Learn about our Privacy Policy

By submitting the form, you acknowledge that we collect your name, email address and phone number to respond to your inquiries and provide you information about our products and services in accordance with our Privacy Policy. If you are a California resident, please see our CCPA Notice to California Residents.