Quick Checklist: How to Exit Your Financial Advisor (Without Drama)

Want to make leaving your financial advisor simple and stress-free? Here’s your 1-minute checklist (we’re not affiliated with any of the external links):

• ✅ Review your contract – check termination clauses & exit fees

  🔗 Bankrate – How to Fire Your Financial Advisor

• ✅ Line up your next move – have a new advisor or platform ready before you pull the plug

  🔗 NerdWallet – How to Change Financial Advisors

• ✅ Download key records – save statements, cost-basis and tax docs while you still have portal access

  🔗 Investopedia – The Smart Way to Switch Financial Advisors

• ✅ Know the ACATS transfer drill – most assets move in ~1 week via ACATS; ask about products that can’t transfer in-kind

  🔗 SEC – Investor Bulletin on Transferring Your Investment Account

• ✅ Send a short termination email – a polite one-liner ends the engagement and freezes trades

  🔗 White Coat Investor – How to Fire Your Financial Advisor