Susan G. Freed

President of Freed Advisors in Chevy Chase

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Sunday, July 27, 2008; Page F04

When should I fire my financial advisor?

If you discover something is amiss in your account, you will need to sever the relationship immediately. It's best if you have a written record of the infractions. But if you don't, write to your adviser and copy her supervisor, requesting detailed information about your account: investment objectives, trading history, fees and commissions, performance information.

It may be time to say goodbye to your financial adviser if she is not able to answer questions to your satisfaction. Is she taking the time to adequately address your concerns? Do you understand the planning and strategies recommended? If you feel your adviser is dismissive and patronizing, or provides incomplete information, it's probably time to consider somebody else.

Sometimes you find an adviser who is better suited to meet your needs. There may not be anything wrong with your current adviser -- you may just come upon someone who can better communicate and execute a strategy aligned with your objectives.