At what point does a financial counselor need to tell a client what their fees are?

A financial counselor should disclose their fees before entering into a counseling relationship to ensure transparency and build trust with the client. This upfront communication allows clients to make informed decisions about whether to proceed with the counseling services, based on their financial situation and the value they perceive in the counselor’s expertise. Clear disclosure of fees ahead of time also sets expectations and helps avoid any potential misunderstandings later in the process.

By addressing fees before the counseling begins, the counselor demonstrates professionalism and ethical standards, which are critical in the financial counseling profession.