How to Interview a Financial Planner

Selecting the correct financial planner is a veryplanner that is working on their own is at a huge
daunting task as you end up putting a lot of trustdisadvantage. Most financial planners work in teams
into these individuals. There are several areas thattoday.
need to be taken into consideration prior to making· What types of clients do they currently
your selection. Be sure to take some of theseserve? Check and see what kinds of clients they
factors into consideration:have and the total number of clients that they serve.
· What is their experience? Are you going toBy seeing the number of clients they have it can help
trust your money with somebody who just startedshow you if they are successful at what they are
their financial planning career? If that were the case Iproviding.
would trust my own instants to make my own· What type of fees are they charging?
decisions. Consider using somebody with a minimumExpect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000 to
experience level of three years.have a personalized plan made for you. It is critical
· What type of credentials do they have?that you go over this with your advisor before giving
Having a good education is important for any financialthem your business. Anything less than this should be
planner. Check to see if they are a Certified Financiala sign of caution.
Planner and that they are a Chartered Financial· What are your personal feelings? Don't
Consultant.ignore your gut instants. How many times in the past
· What methods of support do they have?have you thought something did not feel right and it
It is critical to verify that your financial planner hasturned out not to be. Remember it is important that
the proper equipment and support staff. A financialyou are comfortable with this individual.