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We take the help of a financial planner or advisor to secure the future of our hard-earned money. We blindly trust them, thinking that now all our money worries are over. But have you ever stopped to think whether the person to whom you have entrusted your entire life’s wealth is really thinking about your well-being?

A good financial planner is your ‘money doctor’, who takes care of your complete financial health. At the same time, a bad planner is just a ‘salesman’ who is only interested in selling his policy or fund.

So how do you find out who your planner is? Ask yourself these 5 questions, and you’ll get the answer.

1. Do they just sell investments or listen to your whole story?

When you met your planner for the first time, did he or she start telling you about the best mutual fund or insurance policy? Or did they ask about you first? A true advisor will first listen to your whole story – what are your dreams, where do you see yourself in 10 years, what are your child’s education plans, what kind of life do you want after retirement, and most importantly, what scares you? If your planner doesn’t know your story, he or she can’t create the right plan for you.

2. Do you have a written, clear plan?

A good planner not only gives advice but also prepares a complete ‘financial roadmap’ with you, and that too on paper. This plan should clearly state what your goals are and where, how much and how your money will be invested to achieve them. If all your conversations are in vain and you don’t have a written plan, that’s a red flag.

3. Where are they when the market falls?

The real test of any financial planner is when there is an earthquake in the stock market and you are losing money. In such a situation, does your planner call you and give you courage? Does he explain to you that there is no need to panic and that this is all part of the plan? Or does his phone switch off and he disappears? Only the advisor who stands by you holding your hand in difficult times is worthy of trust.

4. Do they explain ‘why’ to you?

A salesman will tell you that What Have to buy. A true advisor will explain to you that it Why Have to buy. Does your planner tell you why a particular fund is right for you? Does he tell you honestly about the risks associated with the investment? If they’re educating you so you can make better decisions, you’re in good hands. But if they just give you instructions, be careful.

5. Do you feel more calm about money now?

This is the most important question. Have your nights’ sleep gotten better since you started using your planner? Do you now feel more secure and confident about your financial future? The job of a good planner is not only to grow your money but also to reduce money worries from your mind. If you still have the same tension, then perhaps you are not getting any real benefit from their services.

Your hard earned money is very valuable. Don’t hand it over to someone who doesn’t understand its value.