It is not enough simply to hire a good financial advisor. You want whoever you hire to pay attention to you-ideally, to consider you one of his or her most important clients. The fact is, it's not just money that determines how much your financial advisor cares about you. It's how you treat your financial advisor that matters. Not only will this show your advisor how much you appreciate what he or she has done for you, it may turn out to be just what your friend needs to get her financial life together.
Many financial planners run a one-person shop.
The fact is, the support staff of a good financial advisor is often as important to you as the advisor him- or herself. In my office, all I do is meet with clients and manage money. There are nine people on my team, four brokers and five assistants. This depth of trained support staff ensures that our clients receive the attention and service they deserve. Ultimately a good support staff will mean better service for you and, ideally, better investment returns long-term.