Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We know choosing the right NIL financial advisor can feel overwhelming — especially if it’s your first time managing contracts, taxes, and investing. That’s why we built the NIL Financial Advisor Directory to be the most trusted, transparent place for student-athletes to find, research, and review advisors.

Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions we get from student-athletes, parents, and advisors.

About the Directory

Q: What exactly is the NIL Financial Advisor Directory?
A: The NIL Financial Advisor Directory is an online platform designed to give student-athletes a clear, unbiased look at the financial advisors who help athletes manage Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) earnings. It’s more than just a list — it’s a community-driven review system where athletes share real experiences and learn from each other.

One of the biggest benefits? You can compare multiple advisors side-by-side — their ratings, reviews, specialties, sports focus, fees, and services. Instead of relying on one recommendation or a quick phone call, you can line up three or four advisors in our Compare Tool and see exactly who offers the most value for your career and financial goals.

Q: Are the advisors listed on your site vetted by you?
A: Yes — but only at a preliminary level. We do a basic screening for every advisor before they appear in the directory. That includes confirming basic credentials, checking public records, and looking for obvious red flags.

However, we do not conduct a full background investigation or guarantee an advisor’s future performance. The most powerful part of this platform is the first-hand ratings and reviews from actual student-athletes and clients. Their experiences — good or bad — give you the clearest picture of what it’s like to work with that advisor.

We also recommend you take advantage of free public tools like FINRA BrokerCheck and the SEC IAPD database to verify licenses, registrations, and disciplinary history before you commit.

Using the Directory

Q: How do I search for an advisor?
A: You can search by:

  • Advisor name (if you already have someone in mind)

  • State or region (for local representation)

  • Specialization (tax planning, investing, budgeting, compliance, etc.)

  • Ratings (see top-rated, most-reviewed, or newest)

Once you find advisors you’re interested in, click “Compare” to put them side-by-side. This allows you to evaluate differences in:

  • Communication and responsiveness

  • NIL and NCAA compliance knowledge

  • Experience in tax planning and investment management

  • Financial education and athlete support

  • Transparency of fees and contracts

This tool helps you make a decision based on facts, not just promises.

Q: How do I leave a review?
A: On the advisor’s profile page, click “Leave a Review.” You’ll give a star rating and share your personal experience. Be specific — details about communication, professionalism, and results help other athletes make informed decisions. All reviews must follow our Review Guidelines to stay respectful and helpful.

Q: Can I edit or remove my review later?
A: Yes. Email info@nilfinancialadvisordirectory.com with your name, email, and a link to the advisor’s profile. Let us know if you’d like the review updated or removed.

Q: Do you allow anonymous reviews?
A: No. Anonymous reviews can damage credibility. We require valid contact information to post a review. However, if you prefer privacy, we can hide your name publicly while still verifying your review.

For Student-Athletes

Q: How do I know if an advisor is the right fit for me?
A: Start with our 10-Point Financial Advisor Checklist — it covers everything from communication to contract terms. Then use our Compare Tool to see how potential advisors measure up on each factor. Finally, read reviews from other athletes. If an advisor isn’t meeting most of your needs, it’s a sign to keep searching.

Q: Can I report a bad experience with an advisor?
A: Absolutely. You can leave a public review on their profile or submit a private concern through our Report a Concern form. We take reports seriously and may investigate further if we see repeated complaints.

Q: Do you match me with an advisor?
A: Not directly. Our role is to provide the most transparent information possible so you make the choice. But with our Compare feature, you’ll have a much stronger starting point than just Googling names.

Q: What if I’m new to NIL and don’t know where to start?
A: Start by browsing advisors in your region, reading reviews, and adding a few to your Compare list. Then, reach out to them for introductory conversations. Our NIL Education Hub also walks you through the basics of compliance, taxes, budgeting, and investing.

For Financial Advisors

Q: How can I get listed?
A: Visit our Get Listed page and submit your application. We’ll review it, run our preliminary checks, and notify you if you’re approved.

Q: Can I respond to reviews?
A: Yes. Advisors can post public replies to reviews, which is a great way to clarify points, thank clients, or demonstrate professionalism.

Q: Can I update my profile?
A: Yes. Email info@nilfinancialadvisordirectory.com with your profile link and updated information.

Trust & Safety

Q: How do you prevent fake reviews?
A: Every review requires a valid email, and we may verify identities if needed. Our moderation team also monitors suspicious patterns and removes any review that violates our guidelines.

Q: What should I do if I think a listing is fraudulent?
A: Report it through our Report a Concern form or email info@nilfinancialadvisordirectory.com immediately. We’ll investigate and take appropriate action.

Q: How is the Compare feature part of trust and safety?
A: By allowing athletes to compare several advisors side-by-side, the Compare tool makes it harder for bad actors to hide behind marketing hype. Transparency is built into the process — you’ll see what others have experienced before you commit.

Other Questions

Q: Does it cost money to use the directory?
A: No. Searching, comparing advisors, and reading reviews are free for athletes and families. Advisors may pay for premium listing features, but basic profiles are subject to our approval process.

Q: Is NIL Financial Advisor Directory affiliated with the NCAA or schools?
A: No. We are an independent platform and are not affiliated with the NCAA, universities, or conferences.

Q: What makes the Compare feature such a big deal?
A: Most athletes only talk to one or two advisors before making a choice. With our Compare feature, you can line up several at once and instantly see how they measure up — in ratings, reviews, specialties, compliance knowledge, and financial planning services. It’s like an instant, fact-based “advisor tryout” without the guesswork.

Still Have a Question?

Email us at info@nilfinancialadvisordirectory.com — we’re here to help you make the smartest possible NIL financial decisions.