| Most people have a difficult time deciding where and | | | | or they are not believers, you may want to look |
| how to get a trustworthy financial advisor. We | | | | elsewhere. Spiritual Development is not a prerequisite |
| typically have no better idea of where to go for | | | | for honesty and integrity, but it is certainly a very |
| financial advice than we have for medical specialists. | | | | good indicator. That is one reason that most sales |
| And similarly, we usually ask friends or relatives who | | | | training experts and organizations such as the Million |
| have had some experience with these matters for | | | | Dollar Roundtable have an emphasis on the realization |
| their advice. But sometimes that advice can | | | | that we are all accountable to God. |
| sometimes be confusing, contradictory or just plain | | | | "Do you have references or clients who I can speak |
| wrong. | | | | to?" Find out how their customers and clients feel |
| The best way to find someone is to be aware of | | | | they were treated and if they had any problems |
| how that advisor can assist you in putting your needs | | | | with this advisor. |
| and goals into action. You can do this by asking a | | | | "How are you compensated?" The advisor should |
| series of questions that will let you know about the | | | | have no problem telling you whether they are paid |
| knowledge and character of the advisor. | | | | by commissions on product sales, fees from providing |
| Ask "Why should I work with you?" If an advisor, | | | | planning or a combination of the two. The problem |
| financial planner or insurance or investment | | | | comes when there is no disclosure. A professional |
| professional cannot answer this question well, they | | | | advisor is able to give good advice regardless of the |
| shouldn't be in the business. | | | | way they are paid. |
| "What are your qualifications?" The advisor should be | | | | If you are able to get satisfactory answers to these |
| able to describe the training they have received, | | | | questions, you may have a good source for financial |
| what continuing education requirements they have | | | | advice. Do not be afraid to ask to speak to their |
| completed and any professional organizations they | | | | manager, director or vice-president if you feel they |
| belong to. The fewer things that they have, the less | | | | have been unfair or unresponsive to you. |
| likely they are to be serious about their career choice | | | | Don't neglect getting information about advisors from |
| and the less depth they have for being able to give | | | | other professionals you deal with, such as |
| you good advice. | | | | accountants, lawyers and business owners. Often, |
| "How long have you been in the business?" While | | | | they will have particular professionals they deal with |
| there are some good people who are just beginning | | | | who may be able to assist you as well. |
| their careers, if you have more complex problems | | | | Finally, if you get good advice from them, tell others |
| you may want them to bring in more experienced | | | | about their services. They will appreciate the referral |
| help to assist them and you with your situation. | | | | and you will support a person in business in a very |
| "Who is your pastor?" If they do not have a pastor | | | | practical way. |