How To Hire The Right Financial Advisor

While both financial planners and broker-dealer agents are technically considered financial advisors, their expertise and services vary significantly. Before selecting an advisor it is important to understand that this decision should not be one that is rushed. When selecting a financial advisor it is important to consider all option and not just settle for the advisor that is the most convenient. Many consumer banks offer the option to use their financial advisors and there are some positives to this alternative. It is also common for those with higher funds to seek advisory from a financial institution. Whether choosing to hire an advisor from your local bank or seeking out advisory from financial institutions, it is important to consider all options and conduct detailed research to narrow down the options.

Financial Advisors

What To Consider: 

1. Credentials 

Before selecting a financial advisor, it is important to look into the registration and certifications of all the agents being considered. Failing to select an advisor with the right professional credentials and licenses can hurt you in the long-run. For financial advisors, you should be looking for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) tag. Similarly, if you are interested in working with a broker, you should be looking for the Broker Dealer Agents (BDA) title. To get a better feel for certifications and areas of expertise one must always consider and reference the professional designations of an advisor. 

2. Consultation 

First impressions are half the ball game. If your first meeting with a prospective advisor leaves you feeling uncomfortable and unsure, it is likely that this relationship should not continue in terms of your financial goes. Before making a final selection, it is important to find an advisor who aligns with your goals and can ultimately meet your needs. Depending on how the initial meetings goes, it will be easy to tell whether your prospect is on the same page. 

3. Financial Strategy 

If you live a conservative lifestyle and refrain from taking risks often, it would be wise to align yourself with an advisor who has a similar asset allocation model. If you are aggressive, however, your best fit would be an advisor who will seek high risk and high reward. These two models are on opposite sides of the advisory spectrum and the models in between could seek to benefit those who like a little bit of both. If you are not conservative or aggressive, you should seek to work with an advisor who is moderate, moderately conservative, or moderately aggressive. The type of asset allocation model selected is an important aspect of selecting an advisor, however it is more important that your styles are aligned. 

4. The Alternatives 

         a. Banks

Banks

Banks can be a great alternative for those seeking a financial advisor. When choosing a bank advisor, they may offer incentives such as lower fee transactions or free checking if you have an investment account at the bank. People may choose to work with an advisor from a bank because it simplifies the process of searching for a qualified advisor. An advisor working for a bank will also likely be able to offer a wide variety of investments as well as life insurance options. 

          b. Online Broker

Online Brokers

An online broker may also be an alternative to consider as they provide trading services over the internet, unlike traditional physical brokerage firms. Similar to financial institutions, the services offered will differ by each broker, ranging from trading and research strategies. When considering an online broker, keep your trading and investment habits in mind. If you trade frequently using your own research, concentrate on a firm with a low trade fee. Likewise, if you like to rely on broker assisted trades, confirm the service is offered at a reasonable price before depositing your funds. 

Things To Keep In Mind: 

Selecting a financial advisor is a big decision. It is important that when your retirement day hits you are prepared for a life of leisure. A financial advisor will help you stabilize your finance and help grow your assets. There is no secret sauce to selecting an advisor, but these tips outlined will help you find an advisor that is the best fit for you. Whether over the internet, through a bank, or through a financial institution, always consider your options and understand that an advisor is someone you will have relations with for years. Make sure that your advisor is working in your best interest and that your goals and personalities align. With this in mind, finding the best financial advisor is a feasible task.