How to Choose the Right Financial Advisor in Calgary: 7 Key Questions to Ask

Finding the right financial advisor in Calgary can feel overwhelming. With so many wealth management professionals offering a wide range of services, it’s tough to know who will truly align with your financial goals, values, and stage of life. Whether you’re a business owner, professional, or retiree, this guide will help you ask the right questions and choose a financial advisor who puts your interests first.

1. Are They a Fiduciary or Commission-Based?

Start by asking if the financial advisor is a portfolio manager or just regular investment advisor and how they are compensated. Fiduciaries or discretionary portfolio managers are legally obligated to act in your best interest. In Canada, not all advisors are fiduciaries, so it’s important to ask. Fee-only or fee-based advisors tend to be more transparent, while commission-based advisors may be incentivized to recommend specific products. At MRG Wealth Management, our clients work with a discretionary portfolio manager who is a fiduciary and proactively manages their investment portfolio.

2. What Experience Do They Have with Clients Like You?

Look for a financial advisor who understands your unique financial situation. If you’re a professional in Calgary, a business owner navigating succession, or a retiree concerned about income sustainability, your financial advisor should have direct experience working with clients like you. Read client reviews to see what their clients have to say about working with them.  At MRG Wealth Management, we have consistent 5 star Google reviews from our clients and focus on supporting professionals, business owners, and retirees in Calgary and across Canada.

3. What Credentials Should You Look For?

In Canada, common credentials include CFP (Certified Financial Planner), CIM (Chartered Investment Manager), and Discretionary Portfolio Manager licensing. These designations reflect deep wealth management knowledge and regulatory oversight. Financial advisors with these qualifications are more likely to deliver high-quality, compliant advice.

4. Do They Offer Holistic Planning or Just Investments?

A true wealth management advisor in Calgary goes beyond portfolio management. Ask whether they are also a financial planner in Calgary and offer tax planning, estate strategies, insurance guidance, and retirement planning. At MRG Wealth Management, we act as your Personal CFO—ensuring all areas of your wealth work together.

5. Are They Independent or Tied to a Bank?

Independence matters. Bank-affiliated advisors may face sales targets or be limited to in-house products. Independent firms like MRG Wealth Management are not beholden to one institution, which allows for broader, more tailored solutions in your best interest.

6. How Transparent Are Their Fees?

A trustworthy financial advisor should be crystal clear about how they charge. Do they charge a flat fee, a percentage of assets, or commissions? Avoid any advisor who avoids this question or uses complex fee structures. Transparency is essential for trust.

7. What’s Their Investment Philosophy?

Ask about their core beliefs on investing. Do they focus on evidence-based investing? Are they active or passive managers? Do they believe in long-term discipline over short-term trading? Understanding this will help ensure your values align.

Why Choosing a Local Financial Advisor in Calgary Matters

A local Calgary financial advisor understands provincial tax rules, real estate market trends, and the specific needs of Albertans. They’re also accessible for face-to-face conversations and ongoing relationship-building, which can be vital for trust and long-term planning.  Working with the right Calgary wealth management firm can simplify the complex world of finances and help you achieve your goals.

Meet MRG Wealth Management: Calgary’s Personal CFO

At MRG Wealth Management, we help professionals, business owners, and retirees make confident financial decisions with a structured wealth management plan. We integrate investment management, tax-smart planning, and a Personal CFO approach to deliver clarity and peace of mind.

Ready to build your personalized wealth management plan? Book an introduction call today and take the first step toward financial clarity.

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