Before you meet with a manager, gather relevant information about your current income and investments and give some thought to your financial goals and feelings about risk. The more prepared you are, the more you can accomplish during the interview. Be sure to take notes when speaking with a manager, both during personal interviews and when on the phone. This will help you recall and re-evaluate the information you`ve received before you make your decision. And most importantly, ask questions and get the answers you need to feel comfortable with your choice. Following is a list of key questions you may want to take with you to your interview. You may also have other questions that pertain to your personal situation. Asking relevant questions will help you decide if a particular investment manager is right for you.

· Can you tell me about your management style and the types of investments you prefer?

Ask what types of investments a manager uses and why that approach would work for you. Discuss any investments of particular interest. You can also direct a manager to avoid certain types of investments, companies, industries.

· What type of services do you offer?

Services can vary widely. Some managers do financial planning. Others include tax preparation.

· Will you provide a customized investment plan?

You might want to choose a manager who offers investment plans specifically tailored to meet personal financial objectives, rather than a generic asset allocation plan to suit broad investment objectives.

·Who will be accountable to me for the performance of my portfolio?

Knowing who is accountable to you up front will prevent false assumptions about the expertise and attention that you are receiving. You may or may not work directly with the professional who is managing your money. Make sure you understand the workload of the manager who will handle your account.

· Will I maintain control of my assets and where will they be held?

A third-party broker will likely custody your account, but you will have access to your funds, as the account will remain in your name. You may give your manager discretionary investment authority through a limited power of attorney to place trades on your behalf and reinvest proceeds without having to first consult with you for each trade. Such an agreement generally limits the ability of the manager to transfer assets out of your account.

· How often will I receive updates on my investments?

The types and frequency of investment reports may vary among managers. Discuss how often you’ll review your portfolio and how regularly you’ll receive written updates. Expect at least quarterly reports.

· What has your past performance been for clients with investment needs and risk tolerances similar to mine?

Ask to see long term (through both up and down markets) post-tax performance numbers on individual portfolios with objectives similar to yours; compare those results with the relevant benchmarks, such as S&P 500 during the same period. Ask to see how your prospective manager compares with others in the firm. But remember, the manager’s past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance.

·What is your educational and professional background?

Ask manager to disclose in writing their education, continuing education, special certifications, member-ships, employment history and areas of specialization.

· How are you compensated?

Ask if the manager is compensated on a fee basis. Inquire about commissions, if any, for any other financial products you may be considering (i.e., annuities, insurance policies etc.).

· Can you provide me with three professional references?

Managers should be able to provide you with the names and numbers of three current clients, as well as the contact information for their bankers, lawyers and CPAs.