Clarity Audit
A structured, no-pressure process to find the right fit.
A great advisor relationship needs two things: a genuine understanding of your goals, and a real opportunity to add value. Without both, there’s no foundation to build on.
The Clarity Audit is how we establish that foundation – giving us the chance to understand your full picture and giving you the clarity to decide if we’re the right partner to help you get there.
The Process
Three Steps to Clarity
1
The Initial Conversation
Every Clarity Audit begins with a 10–15 minute conversation about you. We’ll talk through your financial situation, your goals, and what you’re hoping to achieve – while also sharing who Addis Hill is, what we do, and what sets us apart. Think of it as a genuine, two-way exchange: no pressure, no pitch, just an honest conversation to see if there’s something worth exploring together.
2
Discovery – A Deep Dive into Your Finances
If there’s a clear opportunity to work together, we move into Discovery. The discovery meeting allows us to gather information so we can see the full picture of your financial situation. We’ll have you complete a confidential questionnaire and gather key financial documents to begin identifying gaps in your current plan and pinpointing exactly where, and how, we can provide the most meaningful value.
3
The Debriefing Meeting
Once we’ve reviewed everything, we sit down together to walk through our findings and our proposal. Our goal is to show you specifically where we can make a difference, listen to your thoughts, and determine together whether it makes sense to move forward. We outline our fees, our services, and what you can expect from an ongoing relationship with us.
From there, we get to work – building and implementing your N.O.W. Plan across income, taxes, and investments.
DUE DILIGENCE
Questions Worth Asking Any Advisor
The Clarity Audit works both ways. As much as we’re learning about you, it’s your opportunity to evaluate us. Here are six questions we encourage you to ask any financial advisor you meet with – Including us.
“What is your typical client profile?”
Find out whether the advisor regularly works with people in a similar situation to yours. Advisors who specialize in clients like you will have a deeper understanding of the specific challenges you face and will be better equipped to help you navigate them.
“How would you describe the culture of your firm?”
A strong advisory relationship is built on shared values. Look for a firm that genuinely prioritizes transparency, long-term relationships, and always working in your best interest, not just one that says the right things.
“What value do you provide beyond investment returns?”
True fiduciary planning extends well beyond picking the right funds. Look for an advisor who brings value through strategic tax planning, risk management, retirement planning, and long-term decision-making guidance. If their answer begins and ends with performance, keep asking questions.
“What is your firm’s investment approach?”
Understand whether the firm trades frequently or takes a more disciplined, passive approach. Their strategy should align with your own comfort with risk and your long-term goals. A clear, consistent philosophy is a good sign.
“What compensation model does your firm follow?”
A fee-only fiduciary model tends to align best with your interests, as it removes conflicts of interest that can arise with commission-based structures. A fiduciary advisor is legally required to act in your best interest, always.
“Where can I find your firm’s Form ADV?”
An advisor’s Form ADV is their public compliance disclosure, covering firm structure, fees, services, and any potential conflicts of interest. Any reputable firm will provide it willingly. If they hesitate, that tells you something.
Treat every advisor introduction as a two-way interview. If something doesn’t sound right or doesn’t align with your goals, it’s always worth a closer look.
Ready to Get Started?
No commitment required—just an honest conversation.