15 Crucial Tips for Finding the Perfect Financial Advisor

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You’re ready to take your financial future into your own hands — by putting it in someone else’s. But who can you trust to do it right for you?

Here are fifteen ways to ensure you get the right financial advisor for your situation.

1. Consider the Financial Advice You Need

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Each advisor will specialize in different topics, from debt management to tax planning. Know which would benefit you most and find advisors with that background.

2. Decide Where You’ll Focus

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Financial advisors can help you organize and plan all of your financial needs. But it’s best to know what you want to focus on first. Know where you want to start with your advisor to see if they have the right services to help.

3. Check Credentials

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It’s easier than you think to call yourself a “financial advisor,” so you should only hire those with a strong finance background and ideally recognized standards like a CFP or CFA.

4. Ask Questions

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Advisors should be more than happy to answer any questions and explain the process until you’re satisfied. If they don’t, they’re not worth your time or money.

5. Ask For Clarity

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If you don’t understand how the process works or how the advisor makes their money, then they should have no problem being fully transparent. Otherwise, they’re likely purposefully not telling you what’s going on.

6. Find Someone Motivating

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A good financial advisor knows motivating clients is vital to achieving their goals. You should feel like your advisor has a real investment in your financial future and wants to help however they can.

7. Find Someone Empathetic

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Motivation is crucial, but so is someone who understands you. Money can be troubling and emotional for many people, and you want an advisor who can see where you’re coming from.

8. Find a Fiduciary

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An advisor acting as a fiduciary will always focus on your interests first — this is a must if you want a good relationship with your financial advisor.

9. Know How They Get Paid

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How your advisor gets paid could change how you feel about starting a relationship with them, so make sure it’s something you’re comfortable with.

10. Find One in Your Price Range

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There’s no point in hiring a financial advisor you can’t afford; find one that operates in a way that makes sense to you, either commission-only or fee-only.

11. Research Your Options

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Even if someone seems to tick all the boxes immediately, shopping around and comparing is wise.

12. Don’t Hesitate to Walk Away

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If you hire someone who doesn’t feel like a good fit, don’t be afraid to go find someone who is.

13. Ask People You Trust

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If there’s someone whose financial advice you already trust, ask them if they know any advisors that would be a good fit for you. They might have just the person!

14. Learn About Their Experience With Past Clients

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Reviews are invaluable if you decide on an advisor, as they can tell you who to avoid and point you in the right direction to someone who specializes in what you need.

15. Find Someone Objective

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Your financial advisor should feel invested in your financial future but in a way that isn’t biased and focuses primarily on your goals and how they relate to your current circumstances.

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Looking for some ways to save money at home? Now is the time to cut expenses, save some money, and keep your money in your wallet. Here are some simple ways to save money at home this year. Whether it’s as simple as switching what you buy when you go to the store or being a little more creative in the ways you use items in your home, maybe some of these ways will work for you!

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Even if you’re not poor, you sometimes feel that way, and you probably have some tricks and tips for coping with that. In this article, we’ve compiled several poor hacks that people utilize at least a few times a month or even a week. It’s always good to share these hacks; we hope some of them help!

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28 Practical Ways Frugal People Save Lots of Money

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Saving money doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to life’s little indulgences. With a few smart tweaks, you can stash away cash for that dream vacation, rainy day fund, or splurge-worthy purchase without feeling like you’re on a constant budget patrol.

Think of it as a side hustle that pays off without the extra hours. Whether you’re looking to conquer debt or simply boost your bank account, these tips are guaranteed to put more money in your pocket, painlessly.

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I’m super frugal, and one of my passions is sharing my frugal living tips with everyone.

Here are some of my absolute favorite frugal tips to help you get started on your journey to frugal living.

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Author: CJ Darnieder

Bio:

CJ is a writer and musician from Chicago.  When he’s not practicing the divine art of stoicism, focusing on achieving a deafening inner quiet, or attempting to reconcile with the inherent powers of the universe, he loves to cook!

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