Credentials

Look for an advisor who is an RIA (Registered Investment Advisor) and who has earned a professional designation such as PFS (a CPA Personal Financial Specialist) or CFP^® (Certified Financial Planner).

Competency

Experience and education are important when you are trusting someone with your life savings.

Compensation

Go with a “fee-only” advisor. Advisors who earn commissions (either telling you that’s how they make money or telling you that you won’t pay anything for their advice) make their money based on what products they sell to you. If you want unbiased advice, go to a professional who only gets paid for giving advice.

Comfort

A financial advisor is someone you will (hopefully) work with long-term and will know your goals and concerns. If you don’t feel comfortable with your advisor, the relationship won’t work.
Stay tuned for future blogs giving more tips on how to pick an advisor that’s right for you…