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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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Meg Rowley

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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 and life goals and match you with the advisor most well suited to help.

Dustin Ribergaard's headshot

Dustin Ribergaard

Lead Concierge

Call us to Schedule: (212) 202-1810

Find your ideal financial advisor with our personalized Concierge Program.

Schedule a complimentary discovery call now:

Book Time Online Now

Where are your liquid assets held?

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

Lead Concierge

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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Shannon Jenkins

Partner

Business Owner Advisory

5 Ways Small Business Owners Can Help Protect Themselves from Tariffs 

May 14, 2025 - With headlines dominated by tariffs and trade policy shifts, small & mid-size business owners are on edge. Learn 5 ways to protect your small business…

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Estate Planning

10 Ways to Protect the Wealth You Have Built 

May 2, 2025 - Regardless of wealth level, everyone's assets are at risk, and it is critical to put together a plan to safeguard them. Learn 10 ways to…

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Economic and Market Outlooks

Webinar Recording: Q2 2025 Market & Economic Outlook

May 16, 2025 - Watch our Investment Office’s timely assessment of recent market volatility and economic uncertainty. This quarter’s market update assesses the economic landscape before and after the…

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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 and life goals and match you with the advisor most well suited to help.

Dustin Ribergaard's headshot

Dustin Ribergaard

Lead Concierge

Find your ideal financial advisor with our personalized Concierge Program.

Schedule a complimentary discovery call now:

Book Time Online Now

Where are your liquid assets held?

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

Lead Concierge

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

Shannon Jenkins

Partner

Business Owner Advisory

5 Ways Small Business Owners Can Help Protect Themselves from Tariffs 

May 14, 2025 - With headlines dominated by tariffs and trade policy shifts, small & mid-size business owners are on edge. Learn 5 ways to protect your small business…

blog image background

Paul Chmielewski

Partner

Estate Planning

10 Ways to Protect the Wealth You Have Built 

May 2, 2025 - Regardless of wealth level, everyone's assets are at risk, and it is critical to put together a plan to safeguard them. Learn 10 ways to…

blog image background
Economic and Market Outlooks

Webinar Recording: Q2 2025 Market & Economic Outlook

May 16, 2025 - Watch our Investment Office’s timely assessment of recent market volatility and economic uncertainty. This quarter’s market update assesses the economic landscape before and after the…

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

Learn about our Privacy Policy

By clicking “Schedule Now”, 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.