Shopping For A Financial Advisor

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 some of us will seek the services of a financial advisor. Whether we lack the time to do a lot of research ourselves or we feel the need for a professional opinion, financial advisors can be convenient and helpful.

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 take a closer look at how the essential considerations involved in shopping for a financial advisor are like those involved in shopping for a car.

Design 
First impressions are important, and the very first thing that gives you an impression of any car is its design. A car is characterized by its form, which reflects how and for what it is built. Financial advisors make their first impression by their designations: their professional status is shaped by the kind of education they have, or the letters behind 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.

But, 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 types of certifications, and not all have the same importance or weight, so do make sure you know what the designations mean. For more information, take a look at the article Are All Certifications Created Equal?

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 other people will take a risk with a newly-introduced car company. Similarly, you may want to look for 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, the financial advisors who have been around for a long time with a good track record will cost more than the new graduates with little experience. That's not to say that the new graduates can't make you profits or help you save money, but they do pose more uncertainty.

Experience is always an asset, but a long track record is not worth much if it isn't 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, but you can also find out more by searching through the SEC records by yourself. (Check out Is Your Broker Acting In Your Best Interest?)

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, and 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 planner, who must exhibit a high willingness to communicate well with you. Ask yourself the following questions when reviewing your broker 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 is your portfolio going to be revisited?
Does he or she exhibit a strong willingness to understand what goals you have set out, and has he or she thoroughly explain the intended approach to reaching these goals?
The product variable is a little more complicated. Just as a person working for a Ford dealership isn't going to try to sell you a Chevy, a financial planner working for one financial company, probably won't encourage you to look at what another company offers (although some advisors will). However, a financial planner should primarily look out for your interests, and, to do so, he or she needs a certain degree of independence. Make sure you determine whether the advisor is occupied foremost with helping you make financial gains or pre-occupied by the obligation to make profits for a large mutual fund or investment company.

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 planner 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, it's the available options and extras that make a difference. For instance, does your planner offer tax advice, and what type of investment strategy do they have? Would they 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 planner, like picking the right car, 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!