• What are my investment objectives?
• What does my money need to do for me?
• When will I need to draw money out of my portfolio?
• How much risk am I willing to take?
• What other special circumstances affect my investments?
• Am I looking for a partner who will work with me to manage my investments, or do I prefer an advisor who will take more control and tell me what is best?
• What kind of communication do I want with my advisor? Are my needs best met by formal reports, by telephone conversations or face-to-face meetings?
• Do I need an advisor who works nearby, or am I comfortable communicating with someone in another location?
• Are professional credentials important to me?
• Do I have any social or political beliefs that I would like to incorporate into my investment plan?
• What do I know about asset management styles (e.g. value, growth)? Do I know which one is right for me?
• How will I decide when to sell?
• How will I evaluate performance?

Content provided by the CFA Institute.