Money makes the world go around; a statement that holds true no matter what way you look at it. In life and for businesses, money is the single biggest factor that controls all decisions and considerations in the coming hours, months, and decades. Therefore, it’s fair to say we could all do with a little help now and then to keep our finances in order and ensure we can be comfortable in the years ahead.
With a professional and trustworthy financial professional, you can address those key parts of life such as a marriage, divorce, graduation, or even just paying for a child’s education. By laying out all the information available, a financial professional will advise you on the right steps to take to ensure your financial security both now and long into the future. By helping you to overcome obstacles, you can avoid debt and unnecessary charges.
Today, we’re going to show you some key considerations to make when looking for a financial professional but first we should say that this is a very personal experience. Although you can certainly ask friends for recommendations, you need to choose a financial professional with whom you feel comfortable, relaxed, and a sense of trust. Without this, the whole exercise is pointless because you won’t act on their advice. With this out of the way, let’s take a look at the key considerations.
Experience
When scouting the market, look out for those happy to share their experience with the world. Within a quick time, you should know how long they’ve been in the industry, what experience they have which makes them qualified to help, and what qualifications they can offer.
By passing a rigorous exam process, you can be confident they aren’t attempting to run a business from their garage with no qualifications. Nowadays, there are various types of credentials so be sure to ask what they mean or research yourself.
Payment Terms
When you first reach out to a financial professional, their fees shouldn’t be a big secret. Although the way in which financial professionals are paid can be very different, they should be happy to talk money from the outset. Just so you’re aware, financial professionals earn their money in different ways including hourly fees, commission, retainer, or assets under management. Make sure you know exactly what you’re paying before you go forward with their services.
Commission
With some financial professionals, they’ll have relationships with certain financial institutions and businesses. Essentially, this means they’ll receive compensation when they get clients to sign up to products whether it’s insurance, annuities, or any other product/service. If you’re going to go with a professional who does this, you have to remember their opinions will be influenced by the money they receive by getting you to make certain decisions. If you want a purely impartial review of your finances, go for someone with no links and no commission opportunities.
Retainer
With a retainer-based professional, fees will be paid periodically, and this could be every month, quarter, or year. If you use their services regularly, you’ll be charged for anticipated help; it could also be based on how complex your investments may be. Typically, this is only offered when you use their services regularly, and hourly payments become too confusing/unnecessary.
Asset Under Management
With this type of payment system, the financial professional will look after your investments in return for a percentage of the rewards. Generally speaking, 1% is around the average for this service, but you may be required to own a certain value of assets before choosing this method. Why? Because a 1% charge on hundreds wouldn’t earn them enough money to make it worthwhile.
Hourly
Finally, hourly services will see you pay for every hour the financial professional helps. If you’re only using the financial professional every so often, this is likely to be the payment system chosen. Across the US, charges can vary depending on supply and demand; however, common fees will be between $200 and $300 per hour. Whether they sit down with you once a month or just answer the key questions you have, this is very much a ‘bits and pieces’ service in that they aren’t required 100% of the time. Perhaps your wedding is coming up, and you need advice on how to avoid debt, here professionals can charge you for a few hours’ work with ease.
Summary
By paying close attention to these considerations, you could be in a great position to find a reliable financial professional. Remember, choose a professional who suits your needs specifically as there may be many financial professionals who specialize in what you’re looking for assistance with.
About June Kirby
June Kirby has almost two decades of experience serving as a federal employee retirement trainer, strategy specialist, and advocate. Based on her extensive knowledge, she offers consultation on a host of federal retirement benefits and TSP maximization strategies. Ms. Kirby tirelessly travels the country to make herself available to hundreds of deserving, yet under-served federal and postal employees, federal agencies, unions, and organizations.
Simply Secure Financial and June Kirby are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government, any governmental agency, or any federal benefits programs discussed herein. Your personal specialist at Simply Secure Financial may offer insurance services, and as such, is a licensed insurance professional with training and experience in federal employee benefits.