Deciding the competent individual to be your financial planner is similar to hiring the right individual to strengthen and improve your workforce. You would want somebody to add advantage to your objective rather than be restrictive. At the same time, you would want that person to be credible as your finance is at stake.

An efficient financial planner must furnish clients with a comprehensive financial plan that would integrate investment planning, retirement, taxation, insurance, handling of debts, educational planning and estate planning with the clientís objectives. In doing so, the individual or familyís financial goal, risk tolerance and complete financial understanding are determined. Areas of concern in the person or familyís financial situation are undertaken and ways to address them are presented.

In selecting the right financial planner, the first step is to be certain that the planner is licensed by any of the following institutions like the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC). Besides being a certified financial planner, inquiring about the plannerís educational background is also important. Exposure in insurance, retirement planning, tax laws, and investment would also be criteria. Also, as in other professions, the number of years that the person has worked as a financial planner is crucial. Number of years equates to years of experience as a financial planner.

As you go about your discussion with the planner, you can gauge if the planner is suitable or not. An excellent financial planner would listen and consider your financial needs first and foremost. Check the plannerís field of expertise and the type of assistance provided. Get a full account on the plannerís work process in achieving your goal. Asking about the plannerís clientele base would also give you an idea on the personís working profile and work technique. In connection with this, inquire who else will be working on the planning of your finances.

The next step is to ask the financial planner about their professional fees. Planners get their remuneration either by flat fee, paid salary from the company, by commission or a combination of both salary and commission. A full breakdown of the fees involved in the financial planning should be laid down and would be of great help.

Recommendations from friends and family for a reputable financial planner would be of great benefit. Specific answers on the financial plannerís work ethics, attitude and performance from these people would give you an insight.

One last thing to check is to see what kind of marketing your financial advisor is using.  The reason for this is because good effective marketing usually means that your financial advisor is going to also be effective in the work they do. See if you can spot the use of direct response marketing.

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