Clearly, honesty is crucial when consulting with a financial advisor. So why not take advantage of that with a bunch of questions to ask during such an interview? One particular question is the obvious one: education. Where did the prospective financial advisor get the grade? What was the grade? More importantly, did the advisor enjoy the training after even getting the degree? Talk about the mentor or coach. But gritty and real with that financial advisor to dig up the roots and find out if you’re dealing with someone who’s not only experienced, but actually loves the job more than anything to the point that you’re not just going to get par for the course when it comes to financial and tax planning services, but a few birdies and eagles to boot on an 18-course run.

Asking a Financial Advisor This Question, Though, Is More Than Just About Gathering the Credentials

You’re getting a feel for whether or not the financial advisor worked well with the higher-ups back in the day. If the financial advisor enjoyed working with his/her teachers, coaches and mentors throughout the educational upbringing, the research right there will tell you that you may be dealing with the cream of the crop.

After all, financial advisement isn’t just a 2-person, “let’s meet once in awhile” sort of deal. This is all about your finances. Your money. If someone’s going to be working with you on your money, you’re going to want to be completely involved with that person from front to back, beginning to end, and sideways, making sure you’re both on the same page.

You want to know what the financial advisor’s pets are. How they’re fed. Where they sleep. And how much hair they lose during the Spring season, in other words. That’s just an example, of course.

Don’t Overdo It, of Course

You’re still a partnership — but it’s definitely a very close partnership. At the end of it all, you may not only get a major connection in your life — very much like a lawyer or doctor, to be honest — but a person who can manage your finances and keep you going throughout your life. There’s value in that. Ask the right questions to ensure you get that value quite well.

Share

Follow Us!

If there’s one thing you need to know about the personal finance industry, it’s this: new developments are always on the horizon. That’s why financial advisors — if they’re smart at what they do — always do right if they stay abreast on the current trends of the industry. They forecast. They explore. They redefine the market. They may even set new trends. Congrats to you if you happen to find a few financial advisors who are of the latter — although you’ll have a difficult choice to make as you consider questions to ask when consulting a few of those financial advisors.

It’s About Your Money When Considering Financial Advisors

You, therefore, want to consult the absolute best in the business. Treat it as if you’re researching and consulting attorneys to find the very best fit. How do you find out who’s the best? Simply put, you ask as many financial advisors you speak with if they’re continually training in the industry. Ask about the trends. Do the research yourself — and then see if they also know about the goods in the market.

You target yourself as a super-sharp client — possibly one with a great deal of money to manage. That means plenty of commissions for the ideal financial advisor, so you better believe that individual will pull teeth, sweat blood, and burn the lactic acid in the brain to make sure the right decisions are made for your personal finances.

 Making the Process Work for You

That’s how you deliver. That’s how you succeed. By getting the right people on board to handle all on your plate with efficiency. Whether it the expenses percentage for a real estate deal, or just a 401K you’re handling on your own — making sure you have the right candidate out of a pool of financial advisors fit for your situation is as easy as knowing that you’ve got someone who can adapt to all sorts of changes in the industry.

You know who you have then? A true chameleon. Everyone else is just bland and colorless.

Share

Follow Us!

This may not be a shocker to you, but let’s face it — your finances aren’t an easy fix. Furthermore, cash flow, income, and bills are under constant supervision and maintenance for obvious reasons. Perhaps you can do it on your own, and more power to you; but for those individuals with substantial returns, investments and other revenue streams, it would make sense that you consider financial advisers who don’t bring you in, consult you, advise you, get you set up, and then leave without even a peep. In other words — true financial advisers are not freelancers. They’re long-term consultants.

That’s Why You Ask About “Regular Meetings”

Successful Business Meeting — Image by © Corbis

Of all the questions you must ask financial advisers about their qualifications, this one would determine longevity and overall satisfaction in the long-term — do they meet regularly with their clients? If so, you’re dealing with an adviser who’s dedicated in the long run to financial success for the client, in this case you. And that’s the best outcome for you.

Ask other sub-questions like “quarterly or annual meetings?” and “who’s responsibility is it to schedule the meetings?” In that respect, the good financial advisers I’m speaking of are very much like attorneys-at-law, representing you in everything you do. That’s the kind of service you want, even regarding your tax planning needs.

They’re professional. Available. A phone call away. Anything less is less than you deserve regarding your own finances. You’d be dealing with hacks who may know the industry, but are only in it for the commission and don’t gain the reputation among the competition to ever make it in good standing.

So Says the Income Tax Planning Network

Isn’t it any wonder that we say that? We’re the Network. We’re all about continuous service, convenience, and we’re right there with you to make sure all your needs are met. That’s the mark of truly efficient financial advisers, and you can rest assured — your money’s managed.

Share

Follow Us!

This goes without saying for just about any industry out there: when you get a referral to some service or consultation, take it with even a slight grain of salt. Because however beneficial it was for your friend, spouse, uncle, aunt, mother, father, college roommate or coworker — it might not be the same for you. So you want to be sure to ask more questions of relevance to determine if you don’t want to waste your time and move on with the research on speaking with the right financial advisor for your needs.

The “Financial Referral” Is Tricky

It’s not a scam or anything, though! It’s not like you’re getting the rug pulled out from under you, because for sure that acquaintance of yours is telling the truth, and that professional in the financial advisement industry just might be the best of the best. But you may need just a bit more information. Just to be sure. You need to brainstorm about it.

For instance: you can ask about anything regarding regular meetings — if the financial advisor in question really puts forth the effort in managing the finances continuously — or maybe what designation the adviser has, what certifications and qualifications does he/she possess. The answers you get just might steer you in the right direction for yourself regardless of what your financial referral boasts about the professional.

Just bear in mind: it’s a financial referral. A recommendation. It’s not a commandment you have to follow, no matter the cost, just because your financial referral stakes his or her life on it.

Always Get the Goods on Any Referral You Receive

This is why you must ask questions regarding financial advisement, for sure. You’re staking an investment on a professional who will most likely be responsible for managing your money, your stocks, your bonds, your tax planning and estate planning. Everything. That’s a big deal. Don’t take it lightly, please.

Share

Follow Us!