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, does the advisor have a commitment to high ethical standards? Look for membership in at least one industry association (such as NAIFA, Society of FSP, FPA, IBCFP, etc.) that enforces a code of ethics. Of particular concern in ethics are those that not-so-subtly use their church affiliation in advertising.
Fourth, is there a commitment to continuing education? Complex laws are ever-changing and the economy never holds still. How many hours are spent each year keeping skills sharp? Are the continuing education hours at a beginning, intermediate, or advanced level?
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, what is your advisor's support structure? Is he a solo-practitioner, or is he part of team of specialists that can strategize on the various issues? Is the firm large enough to have the resources to provide the services that you require?
Seventh, what's the average client like? If your net worth is $500,000, and your advisor primarily deals with people with a net worth of $3-10 million, will you get the attention you need? Are there other advisors in the office that would give you better attention while still benefiting from the firm's resources? Does the advisor primarily work with senior citizens, professionals, business-owners, or whom? Will your unique needs be addressed?
Eighth, how is the consultant compensated? The three most common planning types include: fee-only, fee-based, and commission only.
Finally, is your planner a professional? Be careful of planners that are running their operation out of the back of their car, lack memberships or designations, only work part-time, or mock those that commit to high standards. These advisors are often smooth talkers that will downplay the importance of the attributes that they lack. These individuals may be charming and present - 16755
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, does the advisor have a commitment to high ethical standards? Look for membership in at least one industry association (such as NAIFA, Society of FSP, FPA, IBCFP, etc.) that enforces a code of ethics. Of particular concern in ethics are those that not-so-subtly use their church affiliation in advertising.
Fourth, is there a commitment to continuing education? Complex laws are ever-changing and the economy never holds still. How many hours are spent each year keeping skills sharp? Are the continuing education hours at a beginning, intermediate, or advanced level?
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, what is your advisor's support structure? Is he a solo-practitioner, or is he part of team of specialists that can strategize on the various issues? Is the firm large enough to have the resources to provide the services that you require?
Seventh, what's the average client like? If your net worth is $500,000, and your advisor primarily deals with people with a net worth of $3-10 million, will you get the attention you need? Are there other advisors in the office that would give you better attention while still benefiting from the firm's resources? Does the advisor primarily work with senior citizens, professionals, business-owners, or whom? Will your unique needs be addressed?
Eighth, how is the consultant compensated? The three most common planning types include: fee-only, fee-based, and commission only.
Finally, is your planner a professional? Be careful of planners that are running their operation out of the back of their car, lack memberships or designations, only work part-time, or mock those that commit to high standards. These advisors are often smooth talkers that will downplay the importance of the attributes that they lack. These individuals may be charming and present - 16755
About the Author:
Hank Brock is president of Brock and Associates, LLC, a firm specializing in retirement, estate, tax, and business planning. Be sure to check out Hank's article on finding a financial advisor for more extensive information.
