Are These Financial Advisors Vetted by Us?

Short answer: Yes — and no.

We conduct a basic, preliminary check on every advisor listed in the NIL Financial Advisor Directory. That means we verify public information, confirm obvious credentials, and look for major red flags before a profile goes live.

But the true value of this directory is the feedback from student-athletes, families, and other clients who have actually worked with these advisors. The most reliable way to know whether a financial advisor is the right fit is to hear directly from people who have entrusted them with their NIL planning and money management needs.

What We Do (Our Preliminary Vetting)

Before a financial advisor appears in the directory, we typically:

  • Confirm the advisor’s name, firm, and contact information

  • Check public records to confirm proper licenses or registrations (CFP®, RIA, Series 65, insurance, etc.)

  • Look for public disciplinary actions, major complaints, or legal issues

  • Ensure the profile meets our listing standards (no spam, clear and accurate contact details)

Important: This is not a full background investigation, a guarantee of quality, or an endorsement. It’s a first filter to remove clearly unqualified or misleading listings — not a substitute for first-hand experience or independent due diligence.

Why Client Reviews Matter

Each advisor’s profile can include ratings and written reviews from real student-athletes, families, and clients.

  • If an advisor delivers excellent service, it will show in their reviews.

  • If there are issues—slow responses, vague advice, or poor planning—that will show too.

The collective experience of the community is the most up-to-date and meaningful measure of an advisor’s professionalism, expertise, and reliability.

Ten Things to Check Before Hiring an NIL Financial Advisor

Use this checklist when evaluating an advisor for NIL planning. If they can’t meet most of these, keep looking.

  1. Clear communication & responsiveness – Do they reply promptly and keep you informed?

  2. Transparent fees & scope – Are rates and services spelled out in writing?

  3. Written engagement letter – Is there a clear agreement outlining services, timelines, and fees?

  4. NIL-specific expertise – Do they understand 1099 income, entity structures, and NCAA/state compliance rules?

  5. Year-round planning support – Do they help with budgeting, investing, and proactive strategies?

  6. Experience with athletes – Can they show past NIL or athlete client experience?

  7. Access to related professionals – Can they coordinate with CPAs, attorneys, or insurance providers?

  8. Education & guidance – Do they explain concepts clearly so you can make informed choices?

  9. No conflicts of interest – Do they disclose commissions, referral fees, or incentives?

  10. References & track record – Do client reviews back up their claims?

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Pressure to commit without a clear proposal or agreement

  • Vague or verbal-only explanations of services or pricing

  • Refusal to provide proof of licensing or references

  • Promises of “guaranteed” investment returns

  • No verifiable track record or client feedback

If an Advisor Isn’t Meeting These Standards

  • Start with a conversation – Ask for clarification, examples, and references

  • Get documents reviewed – Have a parent, compliance officer, or attorney look over the engagement letter

  • Check reviews in our directory – See if others raise similar concerns

  • Report issues – Use the report function on the advisor’s profile to alert others

  • Consider switching – Use the directory to compare alternatives before contract deadlines

How to Use This Directory Wisely

  • Read multiple reviews — one opinion rarely tells the whole story

  • Focus on recent feedback — an advisor’s quality can change over time

  • Compare checklist items between advisors, not just star ratings

  • Ask for examples that match your situation — multi-state earnings, entity setup, NIL budgeting, etc.

Help Keep the Directory Strong

Your experiences make this directory valuable. If you’ve worked with an advisor listed here, leave an honest review. Your feedback helps other student-athletes and families make better, safer financial decisions.

Questions, concerns, or reviews to submit?
Visit the advisor’s profile page or contact our support team at info@NILFinancialAdvisorDirectory.com.

By combining our initial screening with transparent, real-world feedback from clients, the NIL Financial Advisor Directory helps you make informed, confident decisions about who manages your NIL money and financial future.