Ask Ed: Financial Planning Questions And Answers Question: Are you currently engages in any other business, either as a sole proprietor, partner, officer, employee, trustee, agent or otherwise? Answer: By knowing what other business ventures a financial advisor is involved in you will better understand if there are any conflicts of interest with regard to the advice that you may receive. This is especially important if the advisor is involved with an investment-related entity. Ask for a detailed account of how that relationship will impact the advice he/she will provide you.