An RIA and fiduciary will always be compensated by advisory fees (fee-only advising). Watch out for brokers, who may recommend specific investments because they receive a commission.

As above, your advisor should not receive compensation from anyone except you - the client. Outside compensation can create conflicts of interest that may hurt your portfolio.

A fiduciary is an advisor that is legally required to always put your best needs first. Fiduciaries are held to the Fiduciary Standard, while brokers are held to the Suitability Standard. The difference is subtle, but can certainly affect your portfolio's performance.

Your financial advisor should be as responsive as you need them to be. As a client, you should be able to communicate with your advisor at a moment's notice. The best firms will prioritize you, your goals, and your objectives, and will work closely with you to achieve them. 

Each financial advisor will have a different investment philosophy. Generally, financial advisors take passive investment approach, which is a long-term focus on achieving your goals and objectives. Some firms, like Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA), will take it a step further and invest in small & value-tilted companies, which have tended to outperform over time.

Portfolio management is only one aspect of wealth management, and comprehensive financial plans go beyond the portfolio. Insurance planning, tax planning, estate planning, retirement planning, and charity planning all fall under the domain of wealth management, and the optimal advisor will incorporate each into your financial plan.

Certain designations can differentiate your financial advisor from others. For example, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is an individual that has passed a rigorous test & has spent at least 2 years in the industry. An advisor that is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is part of a small group that has passed a rigorous 3-part test over many years. Ask your advisor what their credentials are for a better understanding of their knowledge of the financial industry.

Each firm has its own story and history, and with it their own unique perspective on wealth management. Understanding what makes a firm different can provide insight into the culture and philosophy of the company.

Many financial advisors will have a team of professionals behind them to coordinate the different aspects of your portfolio. For example, a team may consist of a financial analyst, an insurance planner, and an estate planner, ensuring you receive a more comprehensive financial solution. 

Advisors should always customize a financial plan to meet the specific and unique needs of a client. What works for a 56-year-old partner may not work for a 33-year-old mother. Each individual's unique situation should be taken into account and the financial plan should be customized to their needs accordingly.