| Are you worried about your finances, investments | | | | the planner. Tell him all that you feel should be done |
| and insurance? You have to navigate you money in | | | | with your money. The money belongs to you and |
| the direction from where you are able to earn some | | | | you have all the rights to clarify your doubts. Try to |
| revenues and where you money is secure. A Financial | | | | figure out if the planner is able to map out a plan |
| Planner is the right person to guide your way. | | | | that fits your needs. An experienced and enthusiastic |
| Contact a planner and put you money in the right | | | | planner would ask many types of questions to you |
| direction. Who will be you financial planner is a | | | | about your finances, goals, risk tolerance etc. If the |
| question to ponder about. Any one can call himself a | | | | planner does not ask such questions then probably he |
| planner, so, beware and choose your planner | | | | she is not much interested in the task and if you |
| rationally. | | | | don’t answer that means you are making work |
| You may follow these steps and reach out to an | | | | difficult for the planner. So be as specific as possible |
| unbiased planner. | | | | while talking to the planner. |
| 1. As the first step towards finding a financial planner, | | | | 5. The planner would obviously charge some |
| you must have a clear idea as to why you need the | | | | compensation from you. Clarify his payment details, |
| help of a financial planner. All planners don’t offer | | | | some planners charge a fixed fee for services |
| comprehensive services. Most of the financial planners | | | | rendered others may work on commission basis and |
| either offer advice on insurance or taxes. You have | | | | yet others may be fee based. Fee-based planners |
| to be clear with your goals and objectives. | | | | may receive commission on some products they sell, |
| 2. Then you must start looking for recommendations. | | | | but most of their money generates from a fee you |
| You must talk to friends and relatives. They might be | | | | pay them. Commission-based planners are paid by the |
| able to give you a list of financial advisers they have | | | | companies whose products they sell. If you are |
| dealt with. Before you appoint an adviser interview | | | | impressed with some planner then don’t forgo |
| some advisers and choose the one who understands | | | | him just because of the reimbursement. Negotiate |
| your equations. | | | | with the planner and come to a viable consensus. |
| 3. After having spoken to them you must find the | | | | 6. I would recommend you to ask the planner to give |
| credentials of the planner. You should get in touch | | | | you references of his customers whose needs were |
| with groups like Certified Financial Planner Board of | | | | similar to yours and who have been satisfied with the |
| Standards and Financial Planning Association and | | | | planner’s work. |
| obtain a list of financial planner credentials. Certified | | | | 7. Talk and find out what financial products a planner |
| planners have qualified examinations and others may | | | | sells and how much he or his firm earns for making a |
| have experience in working fields of investments and | | | | sale. Be cautious of planners who try to sell a |
| insurance. At this point you also need to find out if | | | | particular product to you. You need a planner who |
| the planner’s track record is stained by | | | | gives you unbiased opinions and advice for your |
| complaints. Groups that award credentials or state | | | | finances. |
| agencies keep check on planners and can provide | | | | (This information is for informational purposes only |
| help. Tracking records and talking to people is not a | | | | and is not a tax or legal advice. Please consult a |
| waste of time. The time wasted would be worth if | | | | qualified tax adviser, CPA, financial planner or |
| you are able to find the right person. | | | | investment manager. |
| 4. Discuss about your desires and requirements with | | | | |