When it comes to managing finances, we can’t all be experts. Luckily, with the help of a Certified Financial Planner™, you can get your finances on track and set goals for the future. However, choosing the right financial planner requires research to ensure you find the ideal one for you.
In this blog post, we’ll explore essential steps to help you choose the right financial planner who aligns with your needs, goals, and values.
Understand Your Financial Needs
Before you begin your search for a financial planner, take some time to reflect on your financial needs, goals, and objectives. Are you planning for retirement? Saving for your children’s education? Looking to start or grow your investment portfolio? Understanding your financial priorities will help narrow down your search and find a planner who specializes in the areas you need most.
If you are new to financial planning, you may not know what your financial needs and priorities are. A great way to learn about different aspects of your financial life is through online resources. One of those resources is ELANA Blocks. ELANA Blocks is an online financial tool to help you gain insights into your financial habits, goals, and priorities.
Check Credentials and Experience in the Field
Imagine you’re facing a serious medical condition and need to find a surgeon. Obviously, you’ll want to find a pro that has the licensing, qualifications, and experience to handle your case with precision and care. Just as you wouldn’t blindly put your life in the hands of anyone with a scalpel, you shouldn’t put your financial well-being in the hands of just any advisor.
You want someone who not only understands your needs but also has the skills and credentials to address them effectively. Consider certifications such as Certified Financial Planner(CFP), Chartered Financial Consultant(CFC), or Personal Financial Specialist(PFS), etc. These certifications show the planner is of a high degree of training and follows a high standard of ethics.
Looking at a financial planner's experience in the field also matters. Find someone with a proven track record of success and expertise in financial areas relevant to your priorities. Consider factors such as the planner’s professional background, years of experience, and the types of clients they typically work with. Knowing that your financial planner has credentials and notable experience will give you some peace of mind that your finances are in the right hands.
Review the Fee Structure and Compensation of Potential Financial Planners
Understand how your financial planner earns their money. Depending on the financial planner, some charge a fee based on assets under management (AUM), while others may charge hourly rates or flat fees for their services.
While learning about the different compensation types, you should think about how much you can pay for a financial planner. Bottom line, you should choose a planner whose fee structure is transparent, reasonable, and works with your budget.
Verify Fiduciary Duty
A financial planner operating under fiduciary duty means that they are legally obligated to act in their clients best interests all the time. By law, they are required to prioritize your needs over their own and serve your best interests. Not every financial planner is a fiduciary financial planner, so it is important to do your research. Certified Financial Planners for example, are obligated to act as fiduciary advisors so you may want to start your search there.
Seek References & Reviews
Last but not least, it’s always a good idea to ask for references from clients and read online reviews. This will share a lot about the financial planner’s track record. A planner with positive reviews and satisfied clients is a telling sign!
By following the checklist above, you are one step closer to achieving your financial goals. By following these steps and putting in the research, you will be able to choose the right financial planner that aligns with your needs and values.
On your journey to finding a financial planner, be sure to check out ELANA Financial & Settlement Architects’s financial planning services. As Certified Financial Planners, our fiduciary standards help ensure that we always act in clients' best interests, offering tailored products and services every step of the way.
ELANA Financial Planning Services
We know you have choices when it comes to Financial Planning. At ELANA Financial, we provide financial planning & settlement planning services to Easton, PA, throughout the United States. We provide thorough financial plans that address every aspect of your financial situation, customized to meet your personal and/or family financial objectives.
Book a Financial Planning Consultation with ELANA Financial and Settlement Architects today! Our team of financial planners is here to help you reach your financial goals with guidance and support.
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