Viewing Your Matches

Accessing Your Matches

After completing your profile and questionnaire, your advisor matches will appear in your dashboard within 24-48 hours. You'll receive an email notification when they're ready.

Dashboard Overview

When you log in, you'll see:

1. Match Summary: Number of advisors matched, overall compatibility range
2. Advisor Cards: Preview of each match with key highlights
3. Match Status: Whether you've viewed, contacted, or met with each advisor
4. Action Items: Next steps and recommendations

Understanding Match Cards

Each advisor appears as a card showing:

Top Section

• Advisor Photo: Professional headshot
• Match Score: Compatibility percentage (0-100%)
• Advisor Name: Full professional name
• Firm Name: Company or independent practice

Quick Stats

• Years Experience: Total years in financial services
• Assets Under Management: Total they manage (if disclosed)
• Client Rating: Average star rating from Riafin users
• Distance: Miles from your location (if local)

Match Highlights

Top 3-5 reasons why this advisor is a good match for you:

• "Specializes in clients with your asset level"
• "Expertise in retirement planning"
• "Preferred communication style match"
• "Local to your area"

Detailed Profile View

Click "View Profile" to see comprehensive information:

Professional Background

Credentials & Certifications

• Degrees (BA, BS, MBA, etc.)
• Professional designations (CFP®, CFA, CPA, etc.)
• Licenses held (Series 7, 66, insurance, etc.)
• Professional associations

Experience

• Years in industry
• Previous firms
• Special areas of expertise
• Types of clients typically served

Services Offered

Checkmarks indicate which services they provide:

Investment Philosophy

Understand their approach:

Investment Style

• Active vs. Passive management
• Index fund preference
• Individual security selection
• Use of alternative investments

Risk Approach

• How they assess client risk tolerance
• Portfolio diversification strategy
• Rebalancing philosophy

Fee Structure

Transparent fee information:

Common Fee Types:

• Assets Under Management (AUM): Percentage of assets managed (typically 0.5-1.5%)
• Hourly Rate: Charged for specific planning work
• Flat Fee: Fixed price for specific services
• Commission: Earned from product sales (if applicable)
• Retainer: Monthly or annual ongoing fee

Client Reviews

See what other investors say:

Review Summary

• Overall star rating (1-5 stars)
• Number of reviews
• Breakdown by rating level

Recent Reviews

• Client feedback on their experience
• Specific comments about communication, expertise, results
• Verified Riafin users only

Advisor Response

• How the advisor responds to feedback
• Professionalism in handling reviews

Comparing Advisors

Side-by-Side Comparison

Use the "Compare" feature to see multiple advisors together:

1. Check the box on up to 3 advisor cards
2. Click "Compare Selected"
3. View side-by-side comparison table

Comparison Table Includes:

• Match scores
• Years of experience
• Services offered
• Fee structures
• Minimum assets required
• Location
• Specializations

Making Your Shortlist

As you review, you can:

• Save: Bookmark advisors to review later
• Contact: Message or schedule with advisors
• Remove: Hide advisors who aren't a fit
• Compare: See multiple advisors side-by-side

Taking Action

Schedule a Consultation

Most advisors offer a free initial consultation:

1. Click "Schedule Meeting" on their profile
2. Choose from available time slots
3. Select meeting format (in-person, video, phone)
4. Add any specific topics to discuss
5. Confirm your appointment

Message the Advisor

Send a message to ask questions before scheduling:

1. Click "Send Message"
2. Write your question or introduction
3. Include any specific concerns
4. Advisor typically responds within 24-48 hours

Request More Information

If you need additional details:

• Request sample financial plans
• Ask for client references (with permission)
• Request Form ADV (regulatory disclosure)
• Ask about specific expertise areas

Evaluating Your Options

Red Flags to Watch For

• Pressure tactics: Urgency to decide immediately
• Guaranteed returns: Promises of specific investment performance
• Lack of transparency: Reluctance to discuss fees or strategies
• One-size-fits-all: Same approach for all clients
• No questions: Doesn't ask about your goals and situation
• Product pushing: Focus on selling specific products

Green Flags to Look For

Positive indicators:

• Asks questions: Seeks to understand your unique situation
• Listens well: Doesn't interrupt or assume
• Educates: Explains concepts in understandable terms
• Transparent: Open about fees, strategies, limitations
• Fiduciary: Puts your interests first (if applicable)
• Process-oriented: Has clear methodology

The Gut Check

Beyond the data, consider:

• Do you feel comfortable talking with them?
• Can you see yourself working with them for years?
• Do they communicate in a way you understand?
• Do you trust their expertise?

After Your Consultations

Comparing Experiences

After meeting with multiple advisors:

1. Review Your Notes: What stood out about each?
2. Compare Approaches: Different strategies for your situation
3. Evaluate Chemistry: Who did you connect with?
4. Assess Value: What do you get for the fees?
5. Check References: Follow up with provided references

Making Your Decision

When you're ready to choose:

1. Notify Your Chosen Advisor: Let them know you'd like to work together
2. Decline Others: Politely inform other advisors of your decision
3. Begin Onboarding: Start the formal client relationship
4. Leave Reviews: Help future investors by sharing your experience

If None Feel Right

It's okay if your matches aren't perfect:

• Request Rematch: Update your profile for new recommendations
• Expand Search: Consider advisors slightly outside your criteria
• Wait and Update: Your needs may change over time
• Contact Support: Our team can help refine your matching

Next Steps

• Schedule Meetings with Advisors
• Learn How to Write Reviews
• Review Guidelines and Best Practices