We all need a little advise every once in a while. Sometimes I find that I need someone to bounce ideas off of. When it comes to money, many of us are looking for confirmation that we are on the right track. Others of us can't even get in the general area of the track! Whether you are financially wise or a little uneducated, a financial planner can be a great advantage. Why do people turn to financial planners? They may simply need advice for a specific situation, or even continuous advice over a long period of time. Others have no interest in learning the ins and outs of investing, how to select individual stocks or how to choose insurance policies. Others have very little time to spend taking care of their finances. Anyone having constant trouble meeting financial goals should consider seeking a financial planner. The financial planner will help you assess where you are and how to get where you want to go. He or she will see where you are on the map and tell you which turns to take to get to the treasure. Good planners look at the big picture. They don't just look at right now and what is spent each day, but they take into account investing, taxes, insurance issues and general money management. The key is to find a qualified financial planner that you can look up to. You want someone who is excited about their work. They have a true passion to help you. You can find planners in many places, from brokerage firms to your local bank. Many will help you, but will charge a fee. Make sure that you know what the fee will be in advance of your first session. Take the time and interview several different planners. Look that they are certified and have a good education backing their advice. One of the best places to find advisors is in your friends and co-workers. Your first interview with the planner should be free. Take a list of questions you may have. You should be comfortable, listened-to and smarter when you leave. You need to make sure that the advisor's philosphy matches your family's style. Don't forget to ask how the planner charges. You should be comfortable with the method used. It is recommended that you don't choose someone who could push you to a certain stock just to get a commission. You should try to look for a fee-only advisor, if possible. Make sure that you do a thorough check before you give any personal information. Ask to see the planner's state and federal licenses. If they are a stockbroker, they should be able to show you a Form ADV and CRD records. The fees charged will vary. Most planners charge a median fee of $100 per hour. Some charge $700 for a complete financial plan, or $300 for a retirement plan. Again, be sure to discuss charging before disclosing any information. You want to be sure that you can completely trust someone before handing over your financial details. |
