Use an online resource to find the best Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Financial Advisor for your money management, retirement planning or wealth management needs.
The services offered by independent financial advisers and planners can vary considerably. These professionals often run their business personally, and as a result, have unique operations to meet various client needs. When working for a stand-alone investment firm, independent advisors may also be able to offer the most unbiased information.
Some advisers operate as a franchise and license their brand name from a larger company, like Investors Group. Beyond this, independent planners have different specialties and interests – some cater to a specific niche, like doctors, or specialize in a certain function, like estate planning or wealth management above or below a certain income and/or asset threshold.
Choosing a financial adviser can be a confusing and overwhelming, perhaps even intimidating process. The right adviser will serve as a partner to you and your family in keeping you on course to achieve your financial goals. The wrong one, on the other hand, could prove costly in time, money and robbing you of financial peace of mind.
How do you know if your financial adviser prioritizes your best interest ahead of lining his or her own pocket?
- Does anybody else ever pay you to advise me and, if so, do you earn more to recommend certain products or services? (No.)
Absolutely not. As a truly fee-only firm, 100% of our revenues are from client paid fees. Our clients always know exactly how much they are paying in fees, and how those fees are calculated.
- Will you consider charging by the hour or retainer instead of an annual fee based on my assets? (Yes.)
Yes, we offer “one-off” planning services which are priced as a flat dollar amount. We will also consider an annual retainer fee for ongoing services. The most appropriate fee arrangement depends on the scope of services desired. In all cases, we begin with a no obligation introductory meeting at which we discuss the services desired, how we envision working together. All fees would be fully disclosed and agreed upon before moving forward.
- What is your investment philosophy?
Navigoe’s methodology is based on decades of academically sound, thoroughly tested research that was developed, modified and improved upon by some of the world’s leading economists. Our approach to portfolio management focuses on market efficiency and asset allocation, not market timing or stock picking.
- Who manages your money? (I do, and I invest in the same assets I recommend to clients.)
Navigoe partners, Scott Leonard and Eric Toya have all of their personal investments (as well as the assets of family members) managed by Navigoe and in the same manner in which we invest for clients (although more aggressively than many of our older or more conservative clients).
Final Tips to Help You Find the Best Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Financial Advisor for Your Personal Finances
The best Certified Financial Planner or financial advisor for you will understand your money management, retirement planning and wealth management needs so that you can achieve your goals.
Past performance does not indicate future results. This is especially true in the world of finance. Don’t choose a financial advisor or CFP strictly based on their historic returns: this could prove very costly.
If someone promises you something that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Educate yourself to recognize investment fraud when you see it.
Relationships with advisors can last a lifetime, so choose someone you can trust.
Remember that no one is more interested in your money than you are. Creating wealth doesn't just happen, so doing the prep work to find the right financial advisor for you might just be your best financial decision ever!
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