Message from Lynn:
Dear Friends:
It's easier said than done, right? Plan for retirement, save for your children's college education, pay off your home and car loans, don't get caught up in credit debt, and of course, take a dream vacation. With all these financial goals, it's a wonder that we can even buy groceries and pay monthly household bills! This is why many people chose to hire a financial planner to help them develop a plan and stick to it so they can see these goals become reality.
But how do you find a financial planner? The Financial Planning Association has compiled a list of questions you should ask a Planner when you are interviewing them. Treat this process as if you are hiring them to work for you, because after all, you are. This person will have access to very important documents and information - it is imperative that you trust him/her.
Here is a sample of the questions. For the full list, please visit, http://www.fpanet.org/public/tools/tenquestionschecklist.cfm
- What are your areas of specialization?
- How long have you been offering financial planning advice to clients?
How many clients do you currently have?
- What financial planning designation(s) or certification(s) do you hold?
What financial planning continuing education requirements do you fulfill?
What licenses do you hold?
- Will you provide me with a written disclosure detailing any disciplinary history for you or your firm? If no, why not?
- Describe your approach to financial planning.
What type of clients do you serve?
- How are you paid for your services?
- Do you have a business affiliation with any company whose products or services you are recommending?
- Is any of your compensation based on selling products?
