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Finding a Financial Advisor Near Me
On the surface, money is a simple thing. You earn it. You spend it. Sometimes you save some to spend later. Money doesn’t start to get complicated until you start thinking about maximizing the value of your wealth with saving and investing. With so many options available, there is a lot more to financial planning than just tucking cash under the mattress. The financial decisions you make now can mean the difference between having to work into your golden years or enjoying a comfortable retirement. This is why so many people are turning to financial advisors or financial planners when it comes to their wealth management.
Getting Your Financials Right
Retirement planning isn’t the only big financial decision you need to think about. It’s a good idea to consider how any big-money purchases will fit into your future. Everything from investing in your education, to having a large wedding, to home buying, to having children, and ultimately to major illness and death can greatly affect the financial future for you and your family.
Creating a financial plan to help you achieve the milestones in your life can make a big difference. And don’t think that financial planning is only for the wealthy. Everyone can benefit from professional financial advice. And the most logical place to turn for financial or investment advice is a financial advisor.
Different Types of Financial Advice
Not every financial planner or advisor is the same. Some specialize in certain areas, specific clients, or for those at a minimum income level. They all have different investment strategies and financial products. In addition, some prefer to work with clients face to face while others have clients all over the country. Some advisors offer guidance with taxes, insurance, or estate planning while others focus primarily on retirement planning. There are financial advisors who work with younger people and those who work with individuals closer to retirement. The great news is that there’s likely an advisor out there that’s a perfect fit to help you plan the financial aspects for all of life’s stages.
Personal financial advisors and planners help you manage your finances with a variety of strategies and products to help you reach your goals, whatever they may be. They also work to manage your growing wealth and help you improve your financial habits. It’s important to prepare for major life events so you can have the future you’ve always envisioned.
How to Find Good Financial Help
You understand you need an advisor, but now you’re wondering, “Where can I find a financial advisor near me?”
The first step is to consider what level of financial guidance you’re looking for. Some people may just be on the hunt for a mortgage calculator or a taxes calculator. While those are useful tools, they don’t really provide you with much insight on how to better your situation.
Most people don’t really evaluate their financial situation until tax time rolls around. Financial advisors are pros at understanding how different investment opportunities affect your yearly taxes. While a certified public accountant can help you with tax preparation, it may be too late at that point to make the adjustments needed to lessen your tax burden. Additionally, CPAs are not financial advisors.
What Should I Look for in a Financial Advisor or Planner?
You want to look for someone who you can comfortably discuss your finances with. They should have experience working with clients who are similar to you and experience with those who have been in similar financial situations. It’s also best if you can find an advisor who understands your goals and how to best reach them. In addition, you want a financial professional who communicates in an organized and timely manner.
Questions to Ask Potential Financial Advisors
Here are a few questions you can ask financial advisors to determine if they’re a good fit for you. Remember, they will have a significant impact on your finances. They should be trustworthy, and you shouldn’t choose a financial advisor simply on the fact that they are your relative or family friend.
Ask About Payment
No matter what financial services you require, make sure that the financial advisor you choose is held to fiduciary standards. Fiduciary duty requires them to act in your best interests. A financial advisor or financial planner who is paid based on commissions may be more likely to recommend financial and investment products that they earn commission on regardless of whether you need them or not.
Ask About Communication
As a client, it’s a good idea to understand how your financial advisor communicates and how often. You may consider asking them the following communication questions:
- How often will we meet to review my portfolio and financial situation?
- Are these meetings in person or virtual?
- How flexible is your schedule?
- Do you have an assistant to help with questions prior to our discussions?
Some people prefer in-person communication and printed charts while others may prefer online communication and downloadable data.
Ask About Financial Expertise
If you’re a young adult just starting out, then a financial planner who works mostly with retirees may not be the right fit for you. Different advisors have strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to know and understand what they’re great at in order to fully appreciate what they have to offer. If you’re highly invested in cryptocurrency but the potential financial professional you’re speaking to doesn’t understand cryptocurrency then they may not be right for you. It’s best to find someone with expertise relevant to your situation and your investment interests.
Other Questions
Don’t limit yourself to these questions alone. There are dozens of questions you may want to consider answering. Again, this is your financial future we’re talking about here. Consider asking some of these questions as well before you decide on an advisor:
- Will you track my investment cost basis for me?
- Can you file my tax return or assist with other tax-related questions?
- Do you work with insurance products such as life insurance, long-term care, and annuities?
- Can you help me plan my estate and wealth distribution?
- Will you refer me somewhere else if you’re not able to provide a particular service?
- What is the succession plan in case something happens to you?
How Do I Find a Financial Advisor I Can Trust?
You can start by asking family members, friends, and coworkers if they recommend anyone. You can also ask your retirement account company to recommend someone for your unique situation.
Virtus Wealth Management is a valued name in the financial industry and we’re also happy to discuss your goals and current situation to help you plot a course to the future of your dreams.
