Sometimes we need the help of others. This is a fact of life, and one that also applies to our financial decisions. That’s why many individuals seek the services of a Financial Advisor. Whether we simply lack the time to do our own research or we possibly feel the need for a professional opinion, Financial Advisors can be extremely valuable throughout our financial decision processes.
But you don’t want to rush out and hire just anyone. Choosing a Financial Advisor is much like buying a car: it’s a big decision, so you must consider many factors and know your criteria before making your purchase. Let’s look closer at how the essential considerations in shopping for a Financial Advisor are like those involved when shopping for a car.
Design
First impressions are important. For example, the very first impression of a car is generally its design, as it reflects how and for what it is built. Financial Advisors make their first impression by their designations: their professionalism is shaped by the kind of education they have or the letters after their names. Of course, the more letters there are, the more there is to indicate that the planner has extensive knowledge and commitment to his or her industry.
However, like some cars that have sleek designs but also a propensity to rust quickly, a financial professional may have letters that look good but are actually quite limited. There are now many different certifications, and not all have the same importance or weight, so make sure you know what the designations mean.
Reputation and Performance
Most of us definitely consider brand reputation when we decide to buy a car. Some of us will buy the tried-and-true makes that our parents bought, while others will take a risk with a newly introduced car company. Similarly, you may want to deal with a Financial Advisor who has a longer track record, or you may decide to take a chance with a new graduate who is building the foundations of his or her reputation. Typically, Financial Advisors who have been around for a long time with a good track record will cost more than new graduates with little experience. That’s not to say that the new graduates can’t help you make profits or save money, but they do pose more uncertainty.
Experience is always an asset, but a long track record is not worth much if it is not a good one. Make sure you find out whether your prospective financial advisor has had many complaints, and if so, look into how he or she resolved them. You can look into the advisor’s track record simply by asking him or her about it, however, you can also find out more by searching through the Financial Services Board (FSB) records yourself.
Relationship
Buying a car is an important decision, and you want the person or company selling you the car to know this. A good customer service policy, including a willingness to accept your questions and concerns, is crucial to your relationship with a car dealership.
The same qualities are important for your relationship with your Financial Advisor, who must exhibit a high willingness to communicate effectively with you. Ask yourself the following questions when reviewing your Financial Advisor relationship:
- Does he or she plan to meet or speak with your regularly?
- Will there be routine checkups, or does he or she plan to contact you only when something bad is occurring?
- How often will your portfolio be revisited?
- Does he or she exhibit a strong willingness to understand what goals you have set out, and has he or she thoroughly explained the intended approach to reaching these goals?
Options
Once you decide on a car, choosing the options it offers depends directly on what you need – you don’t want to pay for an expensive option that is useless to you. If you live in Alaska, does the air conditioning package help you, or if you live in Florida, do you really need the block heater?
Your choice of Financial Advisor will serve you best if you have a clear understanding of your needs and goals. While the meat of financial planning is typically the same everywhere, the available options and extras make a difference. For instance, do they offer tax advice, and what type of investment strategy does he/she have? Would your Financial Advisor handle all of your investment accounts or only your retirement account? Make a list of exactly what you need from a financial professional, and then determine whether he or she offers you the appropriate services for the price you would be paying.
Conclusion
Deciding on the right Financial Advisor is an important step that requires you not only to do some research and shopping around, but also to think about what you need and expect. Keep in mind that this article provides only a basic guideline of what you need to consider, so take your time and make sure you’ve covered your grounds. Just like the regret of buying an unreliable or unsuitable car, a bad decision on a financial planner can be a long-term burden in more ways than one. A poor advisor will not only prove to be a wasted expense but also a cause for lost profits, money-saving opportunities and even sleep!