How do you select the right financial advisor? Here are 4 tips

Are you finding it difficult to manage your money? Fortunately, many finance education sites and videos are focusing on basic investing techniques, thus, giving adequate access to knowledge of personal finance to more Indians.

The National Centre for Financial Education in its survey report of 2019 highlighted how only 27 per cent of Indians are financially literate. This explains the need to seek the expert advice of a financial advisor who would be able to sync their clients’ investments with their financial goals. To start with, you must first focus on finding a good financial advisor. The idea is to seek out one who would be grounded and not take you down through an imaginary road to an impossible set of financial objectives.

Many people mistakenly believe that financial advisors are exclusively for the wealthy. However, in truth, seeking guidance from a financial advisor can be a wise decision for anyone aiming to manage their personal finances effectively and establish long-term financial objectives.

Before you set out to find the right financial advisor who would help you straighten your finances in order, ask yourself the following questions.

Which aspects of finance are you seeking help for?

Have you invested before but have not found the desired success or are you a novice investor gearing up to step into the fascinating world of investments where numbers speak more than words and data is used to define financial security? During your first meeting with an advisor, be willing to discuss your specific money management requirements and goals.

Financial advisors offer more than just investment advice; they provide comprehensive assistance with various financial needs, including:

• Retirement planning: Evaluating your retirement needs and goals and developing a tailored plan to achieve them.
• Debt repayment: Assisting you in creating a debt repayment plan that saves you money while paying off your debts.
• Insurance: Helping you select appropriate insurance products to safeguard yourself and your family.
• Estate planning: Aiding you in crafting an estate plan to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are fulfilled after your passing.

Financial advisors can assist you in evaluating your present financial standing, creating a comprehensive plan to achieve your objectives, and ensuring that your money is optimally utilized. The best financial planner is one who can address all your financial requirements. They should attentively listen to your goals and concerns, crafting a personalized plan to help you achieve them.

Are all financial advisors the same?

How do you define a financial advisor? Most importantly, are there any guidelines defining who can be a financial advisor? How do you know that the advisor you are talking to has your best interests at heart? Have you checked the antecedents of the advisors you have approached? Do these advisors earn commissions on the financial products they have advised you to buy?

When selecting a financial advisor, it's crucial to thoroughly assess their suitability for your financial needs. Here are some factors to consider:

• Fees: Understand the various types of fees charged by financial advisors and how they will impact your financial situation.
• Experience: Evaluate the advisor's tenure in the industry and their experience in assisting clients with similar financial objectives as yours.
• Credentials: Verify the advisor's credentials, such as being a certified financial planner (CFP) or a chartered financial analyst (CFA).
• Portfolio management style: Learn about the advisor's approach to managing clients' portfolios, whether it's passive or active.
• Communication style: Assess how the advisor communicates with clients and if they are approachable, clear, and responsive to your inquiries.
• Trustworthiness: Consider your level of comfort and trust in the advisor's ability to manage your finances effectively.

Furthermore, obtaining references from other clients can be essential before reaching a decision. Once you have identified a few potential advisors, schedule appointments to meet with them and inquire about their services.

Irrespective of the type of financial advisor you opt for, it is vital to comprehend how they earn their income. Doing so will enable you to assess whether their recommendations genuinely serve your best interests or if they are primarily motivated by financial gain for themselves.

What kind of financial services are you seeking?

Financial advisors offer a wide range of services catering to different financial needs. Some focus on investment management, while others specialize in retirement planning, estate planning, financial counselling, or tax planning.

To find the right advisor, ensure they are qualified to provide the specific services you require. Also, consider their fees, compatibility with your personality, and alignment with your financial goals.

Here are some common services that financial advisors may offer:

• Investment management: Assisting you in selecting suitable investments based on your risk tolerance and financial objectives. They can also help you adjust your investment portfolio as your needs change.
• Retirement planning: Creating a personalized retirement plan to help you achieve your retirement goals. Advisors can also recommend appropriate retirement products like annuities and investment registered advisors.
• Estate planning: Helping you design an estate plan to safeguard your assets and ensure your wishes are honoured after you pass away. They can also advise on estate planning tools like wills and trusts.
• Financial counselling: Offering guidance on various financial challenges, such as debt management, budgeting, and credit repair. Advisors can help develop financial habits that support your long-term financial goals.
• Tax planning: Assisting in minimizing taxes and maximizing tax benefits. Advisors can help prepare tax returns and address tax-related queries.

Apart from investment management and financial planning, financial advisors provide valuable emotional support and perspective during volatile economic periods. This is particularly evident during extended market downturns when investors may face significant challenges, prompting them to seek guidance and reassurance from their financial advisors repeatedly.

Your financial ability matters

Financial advisors must be affordable. What is the point of hiring a financial advisor whose fees can cause a hole in your wallet? Financial advisors historically charged a percentage of the assets they managed for clients, known as an asset-based fee. However, the landscape has evolved, offering a variety of fee structures to cater to clients with diverse financial circumstances, making financial advice accessible to all.

Presently, these are some of the most common fee structures used by financial advisors:

• Asset-based fees: This traditional approach remains prevalent, with advisors charging a percentage (typically between one per cent and two per cent) of the assets they manage.
• Flat fees: Increasingly popular, advisors charge a fixed fee for their services, irrespective of the assets under management. This benefits clients with smaller asset amounts.
• Hourly fees: Some advisors charge an hourly rate for specific financial assistance, like retirement planning or estate planning.
• Combination fees: Certain advisors utilize a combination of fees, such as a mix of asset-based and hourly fees, catering to clients seeking a blend of services, like investment management and financial planning.

Selecting a financial advisor requires understanding the available fee structures and choosing the most suitable option. Additionally, inquire about the advisor's experience, qualifications, and services before making a decision.

Added tips on choosing a financial advisor

The right financial advisor can mark a stark difference in how your earnings, savings and investments would be handled. Since financial advisors come in various forms with diverse specialities and services, it is essential to conduct thorough research when considering potential advisors. Ensuring the person guiding your financial decisions is trustworthy and competent is of utmost importance.

Here are some additional tips to assist you in selecting a financial advisor:

• Conduct thorough research: Given the various types of financial advisors available, finding one that suits your needs is crucial.
• Inquire about fees: Make sure you comprehend the cost of the advisor's services.
• Obtain client references: Seeking references from other clients can provide insight into the advisor's experience and track record.
• Establish comfort and trust: As this relationship will be long-term, finding an advisor you trust is vital.

Working with a financial advisor can prove to be a valuable investment in your financial future. They can help you make informed decisions about your finances and achieve your financial goals. Once you discover the ideal financial advisor for your needs, they can assist you in reaching your financial objectives and ensuring the financial security of your loved ones and their future.