A financial planner is a long term ally who can help you live comfortably, retire on time, ensure your estate plan is sound, and assist with other important financial matters. While there are many planners who do great work, selecting the right one for your situation, preferences, and needs is critical to sustained financial success.
Our team is proud to have helped many individuals, families, and business owners across the East Bay with all types of financial planning needs. We’re happy to be part of the vibrant and diverse culture of the area, and we love helping local people in our communities reach their financial goals.
Because we have worked with people at all stages of life, we understand how we can add value to our clients’ financial situations. In this article, we will use this experience to discuss a few matters to consider when selecting the ideal planner for your needs.
Seek Real Feedback
Whether it’s selecting the right financial planner or buying a new appliance, there are more ways than ever to seek reviews from people who have experience with the service or product you’re seeking. When searching for a planner, ask your friends and family who they have used, and ask for real feedback on their performance, personality, and expertise. In addition, check local review sites to hear the good and bad about any planner you’re considering. It is also appropriate to ask for references from any planner and call on those references to learn more about their experience.
Ask Questions
In addition to feedback from others who have worked with a planner, you will want to ask questions of the planner themselves. We are always happy to discuss our services with potential clients, and some of the most impactful questions we get are:
- Do you work with people in my situation?
- How do you get paid?
- What is your background/education/certifications?
- Can you provide references?
- How do you typically make investments?
- What are the services you provide?
By asking these questions, you can learn more about the planner’s background, expertise, and their fit for your needs.
Find a Great Listener
In addition to fielding your questions, a good planner will have questions of their own. When we work with new clients, we realize there is no “one size fits all” approach to planning, so we ask a lot of questions to build the right plan for each individual client. When you meet with a planner, ensure they listen intently to your needs, preferences, and risk tolerance level. A great planner listens and builds a plan around you, so make sure anyone you work with is seeking to know you and learn how they can help.
Schedule a Consultation
While there are many choices in the market for planners, we would love the chance to work with you. Our team is standing by and ready to talk with you, so please contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn more about how we can create the ideal plan to help you reach your financial goals.
