Quick answer: Ask five things. Is the adviser a fiduciary on the advice they give you? How are they paid (read Form ADV Part 2A and Form CRS)? Do they build a year-by-year income plan? Will they coordinate with your CPA and attorney? Where and how can you meet?
1. Fiduciary or broker?
An SEC- or state-registered investment adviser owes a fiduciary duty on investment advice. A broker-dealer representative is held to Regulation Best Interest. Many professionals are both, so ask which role applies to each of your accounts and ask for the answer in writing.
2. Look them up
Search the firm and the individual at adviserinfo.sec.gov and on FINRA BrokerCheck. Read the firm's Form CRS, which is short, and Form ADV Part 2A.
3. Ask how they are paid
Every firm must explain how it is paid, and any conflicts of interest, in Form ADV Part 2A. Compare firms using those documents, not marketing pages.
4. Ask to see an income plan
A retirement planner should be able to show a withdrawal order, Social Security timing, Roth conversion and Medicare IRMAA effects by year, using your own numbers.
5. Tax coordination
Ask who prepares your return and whether your adviser and your CPA will talk to each other, with your permission.
6. In person or virtual
Many St. Charles County households meet by video and come in for the first meeting or a yearly review. Ask what is offered and who attends.
FAQ
What should I ask a retirement planner in St. Charles County? Use the five questions above: fiduciary status, how they are paid, whether they build an income plan, tax coordination, and how you will meet.
How do I check an adviser's record? Search the adviser or firm at adviserinfo.sec.gov (SEC) and brokercheck.finra.org (FINRA).
About us
Renaud & Company, LLC is a fiduciary, SEC-registered investment adviser at 2112 Bryan Valley Commercial Dr in O'Fallon, serving St. Charles County since 1998. Jeannie Renaud, CPA, leads Renaud Tax & Accounting LLC, a separate CPA firm in the same office. See our retirement planner serving St. Charles County page, or call (636) 240-5055.
Educational purposes only. This article is general information, not individualized investment, tax, or legal advice. Rules and figures are as of October 2026 and can change; confirm them before acting. Renaud & Company, LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser; registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Neither Renaud & Company, LLC nor its advisors provide tax or legal advice. Renaud Tax & Accounting LLC is a separate firm, and each firm has its own engagement. Some of our advisors may earn commissions on certain insurance products; we explain how we are paid before you decide. Our Form ADV Part 2A and Form CRS are available at adviserinfo.sec.gov or on request. All investing involves risk, including loss of principal.