Making important decisions about your money – be it investments, estate planning, or retirement – can be a daunting task. Without the correct knowledge, you might make decisions that have irreversible repercussions, in both the short term and the long term. Thus, getting the right advice and guidance is essential when it comes to your finances.
But where do you start if you are looking to find a financial advisor? This can be rather tricky, as a quick Google search reveals an endless list of financial advisors each promising the best advice. The best and safest way is to select a financial advisor with whom you are comfortable working.
Here are some simple steps to help you find the right financial advisor:
Investigate Different Types of Financial Advisors
Not all financial advisors are the same. Different advisors specialize in different areas, so it is important to research and determine the area that is of interest to you and then pick a financial advisor trained in that expertise.
The two main categories of financial advisors are those who offer full-service brokerage services and those offering fee-only services.
Full-Service Brokerage
Full-service brokerages provide advice and services such as traditional stock and bond trading, retirement planning, tax planning, and mutual fund investing.
The advisors in a full-service firm usually work on commission, meaning they will receive a commission on any transactions you make. This is an important point to take into consideration as it may affect their decisions as they make more money when you invest more.
Fee-Only Services
Fee-only advisors work on a fee-only basis, which means that they charge a fee for their services, usually a flat fee or a percentage of assets under management. This may be a preferable choice for many, as the incentive for this agreement is for the advisor to work with your best interest in mind.
Take Note of their Experience
When looking for a financial advisor, experience should be a significant factor. Look carefully at their background and how many years of experience they have.
Someone with more experience is likely to have a better understanding of the changing markets, how to maximize returns and minimize losses, and be more knowledgeable about different investment products and strategies.
Also, look for any certifications and licenses the financial advisor has. These should be prominently displayed on the advisor’s list of qualifications.
References and Reviews
Word of mouth is a great way to hear about good financial advisors and bad. Ask a trusted friend or family member if they know of any great advisors they can refer you to, or any advisors they have had negative experiences with in the past. Conduct research on the internet to find verified reviews of the financial advisors and visit their websites to get a better understanding of the services they offer.
It is important to note that while it pays to be diligent in these investigations, be sure to only use reputable websites and reviews as many have been known to post false reviews and ratings.
Meet Them in Person
There is no better way to find out if the financial advisor is a good fit than by meeting with them in person. This will allow you to ask questions, get a feel for the advisor’s style and confidence, and understand their advice before you make any long-term commitments.
Questions to Ask
When meeting with any financial advisor, you want to be sure to ask the following questions:
- What experience do you have in this area of financial advice?
- What services will you provide?
- What fees do you charge?
- What is the process if I choose to invest in stocks and funds?
- How will you keep me updated?
- Are you qualified to handle my tax advice?
Questions of this manner will give you an idea of the level of experience of the advisor and their understanding of different investment products.
Check for RED FLAGS
No matter how much research you do, it is wise to still check for any red flags or potential problem areas.
- Is the financial advisor registered with the SEC or FINRA?
- Do they have any disciplinary issues or co-mingled funds?
- Check if they have any conflicts of interests?
- Are they asking you to sign any paperwork to start the services?
Finding the right financial advisor can be a daunting task as there are so many different types of advisors and services available. But by taking your time and doing research, you will be able to find an advisor that fits your needs and is comfortable to work with.
It is essential to be aware and ask the right questions when selecting the right financial advisor. Be sure to do your due diligence, ask the right questions and trust your instincts.
With the right financial advisor, you can be relieved to know your financial situation is in expert hands and you can make the most of your finances.
