Your financial planner will know more about your personal financial resources than anyone else. As with other relationships based on trust and confidentiality, like your doctor or lawyer, it is worth a little time and energy to find someone you can trust, feel comfortable with, and depend on to provide professional advice suited to your needs. When you are looking for a financial planner, know what you want the planner to help you with. Determine your general financial goals, such as college tuition financing, retirement planning, investment advice, estate planning, or an overall financial plan. You can do a better job communicating with a prospective financial planner if you know the specific expertise you are looking for.
Planners make their living based on the way that they are compensated.
Some planners are fee only and charge based on the time they spend on your plan. Others are commission only. Clarify the method of payment before engaging a financial planner's services, so there is no misunderstanding. Planners have different credentials. Get referrals from advisors you trust and from business associates and friends.