It is an interesting time for financial planning. More and more people are becoming financially conscious and are looking for ways to grow their wealth and safeguard their future. That’s why the demand for financial consultants is steadily increasing.
Wealth advisors help individuals manage their finances, plan for retirement, and make sound decisions. Choosing the right professional can have a huge impact on your future.
So, how do you make the right choice? Here are some tips to help you choose the right person.
Evaluate your requirements
When seeking an advisor, the first thing you need to do is evaluate your personal goals and requirements. Ask yourself, what are your short and long-term financial goals and needs? What is your style and risk tolerance? Are you interested in ethical investments? Make a list of the services you require such as tax management or estate planning. Knowing your goals and requirements will enable you to choose the right person who can help you achieve these goals.
Look for experience
Experience is a crucial factor when selecting a specialist. You need someone who has experience in a range of investment options, including stocks, mutual funds, and insurance products. Look for an advocate who has been in the industry for several years and has a track record of success. You can also check whether the person has any certifications or has won any awards demonstrating their expertise. Go to brokercheck.finra.org to determine if he or she has had any complaints or arbitrations.
Having a real person with whom you build a trusted relationship is in step with your life and empathizing with your goals, needs, and concerns is not something that can be easily replicated. According to a study conducted by Vanguard and quoted by Barron’s and bankrate.com, a professional financial planner can increase your after-tax returns by 3% per year. (Source: https://advisors.vanguard.com/insights/article/putting-a-value-on-your-value-quantifying-advisors-alpha.)
Consider your investment philosophy
Your philosophy should align with your advisor’s philosophy. Some focus on low-cost passive strategies, while others prefer active management with a more hands-on approach. Knowing your investment philosophy and aligning it with your consultant’s philosophy will help ensure your decisions are well-informed and in line with your goals.
Check references
Before making a final decision, ask for references and speak with their clients to get an idea of their experience. You can also check online reviews about their services, ratings, and reputation. A reputable financial planner should have a good track record and positive reviews from their clients.
Fee structure
The fee structure is an important factor to consider when selecting a wealth advisor. Research to find out how he/she gets compensated and what their fee structure is. Some charge a percentage of assets under management, while others charge an hourly fee or a flat fee. Ensure the fee structure is transparent, and there are no hidden fees. Choose someone who offers a fee structure that’s aligned with your needs and budget.
Don’t hesitate to contact a professional and experience the benefits of their expertise.
At Independent Financial Services we have professionals who can guide investment strategies, offer tax-efficient savings options, and assist in retirement and business succession planning.
Schedule a call with us today to learn more about how we can help!
Material provided by Redfern Media, an independent third party. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of Redfern Media.
This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but there is no guarantee that these statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.
Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including asset allocation and diversification.