For an individual investor, finding the right financial professional can be a challenge.
To start with, there’s the bewildering array of titles, including broker, adviser, planner, manager and even coach.
And then there’s all those letters (RIA, CFP, CFA and so on) and numbers (Series 6, 7, 65 and 66) that represent certifications and licenses.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
By the time they get to the method of compensation (fee-only, fee-based or commission) and the fiduciary vs. suitability discussion, the majority of the people I meet have no idea what it all means. It’s no wonder so many simply opt for the brand-name brokerage they see on TV instead of the small independent adviser who might be the better choice.
But when you go with Wall Street instead of Main Street, you lose a few things:
Unfortunately, we’re kind of stuck in this David vs. Goliath mode in the financial industry, where the average person on the street doesn’t even know there are different levels of advice and attention.
A lot of that is marketing. All those radio and TV commercials, the golf tournament sponsorships and stadium-naming rights build a brand and get the word out in a way that an independent adviser can’t afford.
But when it comes to minding your portfolio and your plan, bigger isn’t always better.
Do your homework. Research online. Ask friends and colleagues if they have an adviser they like. Attend seminars. Don’t hesitate to quiz people about compensation. And interview multiple advisers until you find one that’s a good fit for you.
Kim Franke-Folstad contributed to this article.
Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Brighter Financial Capital Management, LLC, a SEC Investment Advisor. Insurance products and services are offered through Clark & Associates, Inc. Financial Solutions, an affiliated company. Brighter Financial Capital Management, LLC and MAS are separate entities, independently owned.
The appearances in Kiplinger were obtained through a PR program. The columnist received assistance from a public relations firm in preparing this piece for submission to Kiplinger.com. Kiplinger was not compensated in any way.
Megan Clark is not affiliated with, or endorsed by Kiplinger.com.
Related Content
- This Is What Good Financial Planners Do
- A Financial Professional Can Help You Avoid Retirement Blind Spots
- Take Biases and Backgrounds into Account When Seeking a Financial Adviser
-
Ten Cheapest Places to Live in TexasProperty Tax Looking for a cheap place to live in Texas? Look no further. These counties have the lowest property tax bills in the Lone Star State.
-
AI Is Missing the Wisdom of Older Adults: What It Means for YouAI will increasingly affect your healthcare and finances, but young workers are primarily designing the systems and getting most of the jobs.
-
The Three C's to Financial Success: A Financial Planner's Guide to Build WealthConsistency, commitment and confidence in your chosen strategy are more critical to your financial success than finding the 'perfect' financial plan.
-
A Financial Adviser's Guide to Solving Your Retirement Puzzle: Five Key PiecesIf retirement's a puzzle you're struggling with, try answering these five questions. The answers will guide you toward a solution.
-
You're Close to Retirement and Cashed Out: How Do You Get Back In?If you've been scared into an all-cash position, it's wise to consider reinvesting your money in the markets. Here's how a financial planner recommends you can get back in the saddle.
-
After the Disaster: An Expert's Guide to Deciding Whether to Rebuild or RelocateHomeowners hit by disaster must weigh the emotional desire to rebuild against the financial realities of insurance coverage, unexpected costs and future risk.
-
A Financial Expert's Tips for Lending Money to Family and FriendsWhat starts as a lifeline can turn into a minefield if the borrower ghosts the lender. Following these three steps can help you avoid family feuds over funds.
-
What the HECM? Combine It With a QLAC and See What HappensCombining a reverse mortgage known as a HECM with a QLAC (qualifying longevity annuity contract) can provide longevity protection, tax savings and liquidity for unplanned expenses.
-
721 UPREIT DSTs: Real Estate Investing Expert Explores the Hidden RisksPotential investors need to understand the crucial distinction between a REIT's option to buy a Delaware statutory trust's property and its obligation.
-
I'm an Insurance Expert: Yes, You Need Life Insurance Even if the Kids Are Grown and the House Is Paid OffLife insurance isn't about you. It's about providing for loved ones and covering expenses after you're gone. Here are five key reasons to have it.
