Nine Issues to Consider When Selecting a Financial Advisor

First, is the advisor experienced? When meeting with the advisor for the first time, you will want to ask how long they have been in business, the types of clients they typically handle, and the breadth of experience they possess. Although your issues may not seem overly complex, you may not be fully aware of all the strategies available to employ. Challenges facing seniors can be especially tricky, make sure you are not the advisor’s guinea pig. Many novices present public seminars with only have a very basic knowledge of tax and estate planning issues.

Second, what credentials does you consultant hold? You should be looking for legitimate and recognized credentials. Common credentials include: ChFC, CFP, CPA, CLU, JD, or other genuine designations. An advisor with only a CSA (Certified Senior Advisor) designation should be avoided. Designations such as this only require a quickie course and minimal knowledge of real financial principles.

Third, has the advisor shown a true commitment to ethical behavior? The advisor should hold a membership in a least one financial industry association that requires a code of ethics. Such associates as NAIFA, Society of Financial Service Professionals, IBCFP, FPA, etc enforce ethical behavior. You should also beware of advisors that use their affiliation with trusted organizations as the sole basis for their ethical behavior (churches, community centers, etc.)

Fourth, is the advisor diligent in their continuing education? In an increasing regulated and governed environment, laws are constantly changing, and the economy is always in motion. Are they keeping up with current laws, and keeping on top of changes that affect their clientele? What level of study do they pursue (basic, intermediate, or advanced)?

Fifth, what kind of planning do you need? Will you need a comprehensive retirement plan, tax planning, and estate planning? Or do you just need help in one particular area? Find out if they are a glorified insurance salesman, or a bonafide financial planner.

Sixth, is your advisor a solo-practitioner? Or is your advisor part of a team that he can turn to for strategizing on complex issues? Or to bring an additional perspective? Is his firm large enough to provide the extensive resources as a large firm of pros?

Seventh, what is their clientele like? You want to find a financial planner that handles similar clients to yourself. If you have a net worth of $200,000, but your advisor primarily handles people with a net worth of $5 million and up, are you going to receive the attention that you deserve? Are there other advisors with the firm that may be better suited to your situation? Does the advisor have a particular age demographic, or preferred client type?

Eighth, how is the planner compensated? Are they paid by commission, fee only, or a combination of the two?

Finally, is your advisor a full-time professional? Be wary of those individuals who only do their planning on the side or part time, lack membership in societies, do not subscribe to high ethical standards, avoid continuing education, lack legitimate credentials, or suggest that these things aren’t important. There are many charming salespersons out there, ready and willing to sell their services to you. These individuals are dangerous because they don’t know what they don’t know.

Related posts:

• What Does the Designation Say About Your Financial Planner?
• 5 Essential Steps to the Financial Planning Process
• Tax Relief Help – Useful Advice
• Careers In Finance
• Tax Fraud Lawyer The Tasks Involved