May 19, 2012

How to Pick the Right Financial Advisor

Are you a person who spends sleepless nights worrying about money and whether you’ll have enough of it when you retire? Are you looking for someone who can answer questions about how to manage your money? Or do you need to start looking for advice from new sources? If any of these scenarios apply to you, here are five tips to help you find the financial advisor that is right for you. 1)      Check for qualifications Make sure you choose a financial advisor who has the Certified Financial Planning (CFP) designation, or equivalent licenses. These special designations ensure that a financial advisor is well-versed in fund management and that they understand the ethical codes that they should abide by. 2)      Do extra research Interview a potential advisor the way you would interview a babysitter for your child or a photographer for your wedding—in-depth. Additionally, you should look for referrals from family and friends. The Internet is another important resource—from Facebook to LinkedIn, you can learn a lot about a candidate online. 3)      Ask how well they know their clients Be wary of an advisor who pushes you into doing something you are not comfortable with, or who tries to sell you a product that “guarantees” you a high rate of return. If it sounds too good to be true, then it most likely is. A financial advisor who is aware of differences in the personalities and preferences of their clients will make use of the Know Your … [Read more...]