How To Choose A Trusted Advisor

There are three basic factors to consider when selecting a financial advisor:

Likeable

Life is too short to work with people you don’t personally care for or respect. As a client, you must truly like and respect the financial planner you choose to work with. Take the time to learn whether your values and philosophies dovetail.

Trustworthy

Transparency is critical in a relationship of trust. A trusted financial advisor demonstrates a willingness to share information about his own personal financial planning, talks openly about fees, and refers you to current clients who can share their experiences with the firm.

Competent

We all know people we like and trust, but are they competent? A Certified Financial Planner designation is a critical factor in your decision-making because it demonstrates that the person has been well trained and tested in the disciplines of tax, estate, investment, insurance and financial planning. In addition, ongoing training and education keeps them abreast of the myriad and constant changes in the financial universe, which is required for CFPs® to maintain certification.