By choosing to work with a financial advisor, you're already acknowledging the value that advice can bring to your financial future. A trusted professional can help you set goals, develop a comprehensive financial plan, determine your personal asset mix, and select the best investments for reaching your goals.

In both up markets and down, the voice of reason and personal attention your advisor can provide are of tremendous value. And by enlisting professional help, you've freed up more time for the things you enjoy.

This guide can show you how to get the most from your relationship. On the pages that follow, you'll discover simple strategies and helpful tools that can help you.

• Establish realistic expectations and clarify responsibilities.
• Assess your current relationship to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Strengthen your partnership and build trust.
• Continue to benefit from your advisor as you move through life.

Plan on keeping this guide. You'll find that some of the strategies can be put to work immediately, while others may be more helpful down the road. The time you invest in enhancing your advisor relationship will pay off with the peace of mind that comes from working with someone you trust.

The basic elements of a financial plan
Your financial plan is at the heart of your advisor relationship. While everyone's plan is unique, a financial plan should address four basic elements:

• How much wealth you have now
• Your current saving and spending patterns
• Your financial goals and priorities
• A saving and investment strategy that allows you to reach your goals within your risk tolerance