“The doorstep to the temple of wisdom is a knowledge of our own ignorance.” – Benjamin Franklin
Some financial advisors are just doing their job – to gather and retain accounts. Others truly care. Seek out the one who really wants to help you achieve your goals and has the specialized knowledge that you need.
Many people are not sure how to go about finding a financial advisor to work with. Some just search on the Internet or respond to an advisor’s radio show/ad while others attend seminars. Is this really the best way to determine who you should trust to help you make important decisions? When you’re looking for a financial advisor, you want to find somebody who will help you map out the financial course for your future. This is the person you will be trusting to set up the strategies for your money as you build for retirement, and will then convert that savings into your lifetime income in retirement.
Search for a financial professional in much the same way you would seek out a doctor, lawyer, or other top notch professional that you will be entrusting with important, life altering decisions. One way that works well is to check the advisor’s certifications and continuing education record. Has the advisor successfully achieved advanced, industry recognized certifications that are hard to earn? Does the advisor’s education record indicate a dedication to building and maintaining their specialized knowledge or are they just phoning in their continuing education requirements?
Certifications and recent continuing education efforts are often good indicators of the professional’s skill level and commitment. Understanding the different certifications you encounter and reviewing continuing education records may provide insight and prove beneficial in helping you select trusted advisors carefully.
