How to Choose the Right Financial Advisor for You
December 17, 2020
When it comes to your finances, it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure you are in the right hands. Choosing the right financial advisor for you or your business might seem like a stressful process, but the good news is there are many qualified experts ready to help you meet your financial goals. We’ve compiled a guide to help you get the right advisor for you.
Understand What You Are Looking For
When looking for a financial advisor who will fit your needs, it’s important to ask yourself what you are looking for. Are you looking for business strategies, wealth management, estate planning? Are you aggressive with your investments? Do you need help with taxes as well? These are all important questions to ask yourself before starting your search. Financial advisors can work with individuals, small business owners, or even retirees. Some advisors’ focus lies within estate planning while others focus heavily on investing, so it’s crucial to understand exactly what you are looking for before researching. You might also consider the level of risk you are willing to take. It’s important to talk to a financial advisor about their investing style to make sure their risk strategies align with yours. If help during tax season is also something you are looking for, consider looking into other credible options like CPA’s, who can double as financial advisors and tax experts.
Check Advisors Credentials
Certifications are one of the best ways to validate someone’s skill sets. When it comes to financial advisors, many different titles hold the same job function. The differences between the job titles often come down to the certifications required to acquire those titles. For example, CPA’s have to go through rigorous schooling where they are required to have a bachelor’s degree and pass a CPA exam. CPA requirements don’t stop there; after passing their exam they are required by law to keep up to date with best practices. When choosing a CPA as your financial advisor, you can rest assured that the person dealing with your finances will be up to speed on the best practices and recent changes in the industry.
Find An Advisor
After you understand what you are looking for in an advisor and check the credentials for various options, it’s time to interview your options. The interviewing process is an important step to selecting the right financial advisor. After all, you will trust this person with your finances and must be completely comfortable working with them for many years to come. Reach out to various firms and express your concerns, wants, and needs with them. Then determine which advisor aligns best with your vision for you or your company.
If you are looking for an experienced financial advisor that uses a comprehensive financial management process, develops personalized financial plans, and applies state-of-the-art investment and tax planning, consider contacting us today!