Take the time to really know what you are looking for. Write down your goals and objectives in advance, along with your reasons for seeking a Financial Advisor rather than waiting for him or her to ask. Also, remember to have a list of questions ready for your advisor interviews. Experience has showed me that most people forget their questions until after the initial meeting, postponing the search process, decision process and the beginning of working towards accomplishing your goals.
2. Do not confuse a salesperson with a Financial Advisor.
A salesperson is one who will "sell" you something and most likely make a large commission from doing so. In many instances they are directly employed by large investment or insurance companies and are hired with the sole intention to "sell" that particular company's product alone. In addition, they may even have minimum "sales" goals they must meet, prompting them to have that goal in their mind effecting the suggestions presented to you. You should be looking for an advisor whose only intention is to lay out a plan that can potentially help accomplish the goals you have discussed with him or her, whether it is retiring to a beach house watching the sunset over the ocean or having a stockpile of cash available for the inevitable day your child steps out …show more content…
Decide how local your advisor should be?
Your financial advisor does not have to live in your town, or even your state for that matter. With today's advancement in technology, it is easy to work with an advisor who is 10 miles away or 1,000 miles away and not realize the difference. Cell phones, email, teleconferences, internet meetings and internet cameras are just a few of the pieces of technology which allow for that feeling of personal contact at any time and from any location. I suggest you determine your comfort level and establish a distance you are comfortable with prior to your search.
5. Do not solely rely on the advice of friends and