How to Fire my
Financial Advisor

Sorry you have to go through this; it's never fun to fire someone. This guide helps you ensure it goes smoothly. Download a free sample letter of termination.

Introduction

Navigating the financial landscape is a crucial part of securing a prosperous future. Financial advisors play a key role in this journey, offering their expertise to help us make well-informed decisions. However, there may come a time when you need to terminate the services of your financial advisor due to various reasons - be it a change in financial strategy, dissatisfaction with the service, or a move to a different location. Whatever the reason, it's essential to end the professional relationship respectfully and legally.

This guide will walk you through the steps of writing a letter to terminate your financial advisor formally.

If you are new to AdvisorFinder

Welcome! If it's your first time on AdvisorFinder, you might want to have a look at the AdvisorFinder blog and the post titled, "How to Choose a Financial Advisor".

Step 1: Review Your Agreement

Before drafting your termination letter, review the agreement you had with your financial advisor. Look for any clauses related to termination, notice period, and any other obligations you may have. The agreement you have with your advisor is unique to you, so please use your discretion.

Begin by locating the original agreement. It might be in paper format or a digital copy sent via email or available on the advisor's online portal.

Understand Termination Clauses

Thoroughly read through the agreement, focusing on sections related to termination. There may be specified conditions under which either party can terminate the agreement.

Notice Period

Check if there's a notice period required before termination. This period allows both parties to settle any outstanding issues.

Fees and Charges

Look for any clauses about termination fees or charges. Some advisors may have fees for early termination.

Data Retrieval

Check if there are provisions on how you will receive your financial data or records post-termination.

Legal Obligations

Identify any legal or other obligations you need to fulfill before termination to ensure a smooth transition.

Consult a Legal Professional

If there are aspects of the agreement that are unclear, it might be wise to consult with a legal professional to understand the implications of termination. There are online services such as Avvo, where you can find a lawyer specifically for the purpose of consumer protection.

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Step 2: Gather Necessary Information

This should be very easy after the preparation in step 1 described above. Ensure you have all necessary information at hand, including your financial advisor's full name, title, company name, and address. It's also wise to have your account details and the date of agreement commencement.

Advisor Identification

  • Financial Advisor's Full Name
  • Title
  • Company/Firm Name
  • Company Address
  • Contact Information (Phone, Email)

Account Details

  • Account Numbers
  • Type of Accounts (e.g., retirement, investment, savings)
  • Any other unique identifiers associated with your account

Agreement Details

  • Date of Agreement Commencement
  • Any relevant termination information / official notice (if applicable from Step 1)
  • Any specific identification numbers or codes associated with the agreement

Documented Communication

Gather any relevant communication you have had with your advisor, especially if it pertains to issues that are prompting the termination.

Financial Records

Ensure you have copies of all financial records, reports, and statements provided by your advisor during the engagement.

New Advisor Information (if applicable)

  • New Advisor's Full Name
  • Company Name
  • Transition instructions if you're moving to a new advisor

By organizing this information beforehand, you'll ensure a structured and straightforward termination process, demonstrating a professional approach to ending your financial advisor relationship.

These enhanced steps provide a structured and thorough approach to initiating the termination process, aligning with AdvisorFinder’s ethos of educated and respectful engagement within the financial advisory landscape.

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Step 3: Write the Termination Letter

👉 click here to download a sample termination letter for your financial advisor

If you are writing this letter entirely on your own, continue reading this section.

For "official business" such as terminating a significant financial relationship, it is recommended that you should start this letter with a heading that includes these details, or equivalent: 

Heading

Your Name
Your Address
City, State, Zip

Financial Advisor's Name
Advisor's Company Name
Address, City, State, Zip

The Letter

Dear [Financial Advisor's Name],

Body

In this section, state your intent to terminate the financial advisory services. Be clear and concise, mentioning the effective date of termination.

Example: I am writing to formally terminate my agreement for financial advisory services with [Company Name], effective [Date]. This decision comes after careful consideration and analysis of my current financial situation and goals.

Reason (Optional):

If you wish, you can provide a brief explanation for the termination, although it's not mandatory.

Example: The reason for this termination is a change in my financial strategy and goals.

Account Instructions

Provide instructions for remaining funds or assets managed by the advisor.

Example: I request the closure of all my accounts and the transfer of any remaining funds to my bank account on file.

Additional Instructions

Include any other instructions or requests related to documentation or final meetings.

Example: Please provide a written confirmation of this termination along with a statement of my account showing all transactions up to the termination date.

Closing

Express gratitude for the service provided and sign off respectfully.

Example: Thank you for your services and assistance during our association.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Termination Letter for Financial Advisor

We put together a very official looking sample template for this termination letter so you can edit it and use it as you need. You can download the word document below.

Download Sample Termination Letter

🗎 Word Document .docx file ⬇️ enter your email

a screenshot of the downloadable sample termination letter to fire a financial advisor. The screenshot shows a word document with an official letter layout
screenshot of the word document Sample Termination Letter for Financial Advisor.docx

In case you can't download the file

Here's the text of what the letter says

Dear [Advisor Name],

I am writing to formally terminate my agreement for financial advisory services with [Company Name], effective [Date]. This decision comes after careful consideration and analysis of my current financial situation and goals.

The reason for this termination is [insert reason here, optional]

I request that all my accounts are closed and the transfer of all remaining funds to my bank account on file.

Please provide written confirmation that you have received this letter of termination along with a statement of my account showing all transactions up to the termination date.

Thank you for your services and assistance during ___________________.

Sincerely,

Jane “Client” Doe

Step 4: Send the Letter

Once you've written the letter the way you want it, go ahead and fire it off. We know it's tough, but you have to just do it. Ensure you send the letter well in advance of your intended termination date. It's advisable to send it via certified mail to have a record of the communication.

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Step 5: Find a better financial advisor

The decision to terminate a financial advisor isn't taken lightly. It often stems from a realization that your financial journey requires a change, whether due to evolving financial goals, a lack of satisfaction with current services, or the desire for a more specialized or innovative advisory approach. Whatever your reason, the termination of your current advisor is just the beginning.

When you're ready, a crucial next step is to find a better-suited financial advisor to ensure you remain on track toward your goals. This is where AdvisorFinder comes in. Here's your step-by-step guide to finding a financial advisor on AdvisorFinder.

Understanding Your Needs

Before diving into the search, take some time to reflect on what you expect from your new financial advisor. Your financial goals, the level of communication you desire, and the type of advisory services you require are essential considerations. Understanding your needs will empower you to make informed decisions while exploring AdvisorFinder's vast network of financial experts.

Navigating AdvisorFinder

AdvisorFinder has been meticulously designed to simplify your search for a new financial advisor. Here's how to navigate through it:

1. Easy-to-Use Search Bar

Enter key terms related to your financial goals, and AdvisorFinder will present a list of advisors suited to your needs.

2. Filter Your Search

Utilize the filtering options to narrow down your search based on location, expertise, and other criteria that matter to you.

3. Explore Advisor Profiles

Every advisor on AdvisorFinder has a detailed profile showcasing their services, experiences, and client reviews. This transparency helps you gain a better understanding of what each advisor brings to the table.

Engage with Potential Advisors

1. Schedule Consultations

Once you have shortlisted potential advisors, schedule consultations to discuss your financial situation and goals. This interaction will give you a feel of the advisor's approach and whether it aligns with your expectations. Each advisor has a "Schedule a Call" button on their profile.

2. Ask the Right Questions

Prepare a list of questions to ask during your consultations. These could range from their experience and expertise to their communication style and fee structure.

Finalizing Your Choice

Once you have met with your chosen advisors and made an informed decision, it's time to formalize the advisory relationship. Ensure you understand the terms of engagement, fees, and the process moving forward.

Conclusion

Transitioning to a new financial advisor is a significant step towards realigning your financial journey with your current goals and expectations. AdvisorFinder is not just a platform; it's a bridge connecting you to a community of reputable financial advisors ready to guide you towards financial success. By following this guide, you are not only taking control of your financial destiny but also ensuring that your next advisory relationship is built on a foundation of informed trust and aligned objectives. We hope you don't have to use this sample termination letter again!

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Support

If you have any questions or still need help, we are here to offer you support in your search for a financial advisor. For questions related to this article please ask us via the live chatbot.

For questions related to using AdvisorFinder, please contact our support.

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