Many find financial advisor to be the bridge that helps them navigate through difficult economic waters. When money is at stake, however, not everything that glitters will be gold. Despite its slick suits and polished footwear, the finance sector is not immune to client complaints.

The sea of financial advisors can make you feel as if you are swimming with sharks. The trust that clients have in their advisors is immense. They want sage guidance to increase their wealth instead of depleting it. But a recent surge in complaints has revealed what can go wrong in professional relationships.

Transparency – or its lack – is one of the most common complaints. Imagine a dimly lit office. That is how clients describe the fee structure for their financial services. Hidden charges can show up at parties like unwelcomed guests. Clients may feel out of place and out of their depth.

It’s important to consider the suitability of food. Imagine being a vegan and still getting steak. This analogy applies to clients who find themselves with investment products not suited to their financial or risk appetites. It’s important to select the right products for your preferences, whether they are dietary or financial.

A breakdown in communication is another issue that is often echoed by disgruntled people. Relationships without frequent and clear communication are like trying to dance solo tango — awkward and ineffective. Clients are often frustrated by the lack of communication, such as when their calls do not get returned or they receive few updates. This leaves them feeling out-of-the loop and less in control.

Let’s talk now about expertise — or, occasionally, a worrying lack thereof. Hiring an advisor is similar to putting your entire life savings in the hands of someone else. It’s important that the hands of your financial advisor are as accurate and reliable as a surgeon. Unfortunately, many find that their chosen experts have knowledge similar to a first-year student of medicine; enthusiastic but unprepared.

This is made worse by the lengthy process of filing complaints against advisors deemed unqualified. The road can be labyrinthine and filled with bureaucratic paperwork that frustrates rather than helps justice.

How can we protect ourselves from these potential pitfalls and avoid them? It’s important to do your homework as if your financial security depends on it. Look at the advisors’ background as if it were a real estate purchase. Check credentials, read reviews and ask questions just as you would if you were interviewing someone to fill a high-level position.

Second, insist that fees and services are transparent from the get-go. Ask for clarity like you’re clarifying a soup stock. If an advisor does not have the answers you need, this is a huge red flag.

Lastly, and most importantly, establish expectations as early as possible about communication frequency.

Financial advisors strive to guide their clients to fiscal prosperity, but a few do not live up to this promise. This can lead them and their clients into a state of distrust and distress.

In order to navigate these turbulent waters, clients who are seeking financial guidance must make informed decisions and be able to maintain their calm without experiencing unnecessary disappointment or drama.