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From The Only Difference (2026)

The ADVICEdge Test

Twenty questions to ask before any money moves.

How to use it

How to use the Test

Think of one person who advises you. Answer each question about them: yes, no, or not sure.

It works for anyone whose advice you rely on, whether on property, money, health or work. You do not need to know anything about markets. You only need to think about how this person has treated you.

Choosing a real estate or financial advisor? The fuller 30-question Advisor Check gives you a green, amber or red signal and a saved report.

Your answers stay in this browser tab. Nothing is sent or stored. The Test will grow, with an advisor’s version and a printable scorecard, as the research behind it develops.

1  Alignment: Whose side are they on?If things go wrong in a few years, will they still take your call?
2  Alignment: Whose side are they on?Have they ever advised you to do less or spend less than you planned?
3  Alignment: Whose side are they on?When you told them something new about your situation, did their advice change?
4  Alignment: Whose side are they on?Can they tell you how they helped a long-standing client last year, beyond selling them something?
5  Depth: How far down does your advisor actually go?Do they check the facts themselves, instead of repeating what they were told?
6  Depth: How far down does your advisor actually go?Did they ask what the money is for before suggesting anything?
7  Depth: How far down does your advisor actually go?When you checked one of their numbers yourself, did it hold up?
8  Depth: How far down does your advisor actually go?Do they give you time to decide, without making you feel you will miss out?
9  Voice: Will they say the difficult thing?Have they told you something specific that you could not have found online?
10  Voice: Will they say the difficult thing?If you ask what they would do with their own money, do they give a straight answer?
11  Voice: Will they say the difficult thing?Have they disagreed with you about something you were keen on, without being asked?
12  Voice: Will they say the difficult thing?Once you have committed, will they take your side if the other party lets you down?
13  Integrity: Who are they when you’re not watching?Do they still tell you the truth when it could cost them the sale?
14  Integrity: Who are they when you’re not watching?Does what they tell you match what is written in the documents?
15  Integrity: Who are they when you’re not watching?Have they ever pointed out a fee, risk or catch without being asked?
16  Integrity: Who are they when you’re not watching?Do they speak about their other clients with respect when those clients are not around?
17  Compassion: Does this advisor know you as a human being?Do they know what this money means for your life, beyond the budget?
18  Compassion: Does this advisor know you as a human being?When you were excited about something, did they help you slow down?
19  Compassion: Does this advisor know you as a human being?When nothing was happening for a while, did they stay in touch?
20  Compassion: Does this advisor know you as a human being?Do they know something about your life that has nothing to do with money?