A recent study found that only 4 in 10 people work with a financial advisor. Making the decision to work with a professional can be a taxing and prolonged task. However, it's imperative to your financial future to find someone to help you plan and manage your retirement. How do you choose the right financial advisor? Here are four questions to consider.
Are they a fiduciary?
A fiduciary is a kind of advisor that is legally and ethically required to act on behalf of their clients. They must put their clients’ interests ahead of their own and preserve good faith and trust as an advisor. When you partner with a financial advisor to manage your money ,you are essentially putting the earnings of your life’s work into their hands. Don’t you want to trust that person?
As a fiduciary, I only succeed when my clients succeed. That is the benefit of hiring a fiduciary to manage your assets. You are the captain! The advisor is just here to help you steer the ship in the right direction.
Are they an independent advisor?
An independent advisor wants to do more than sell you a product. Unlike advisors who work for larger institutions, independent advisors are not tied to the products or services of a larger firm. This opens the door for them to offer more products and services to their clients.
At Asset Preservation Tax & Retirement Services, our recommendations are focused on providing solutions to the unique challenges each clients’ plan presents. We use only the most trusted and reputable brokerage services on the market to provide thoughtful strategies for each client. Being an independent advisor means that our only goal is to earn the trust of our clients by using the best services.
Are they a holistic planner?
A holistic planner will look at every aspect of your financial future. If an advisor only discusses your income plan but never your tax plan, they are only looking at one part of your financial picture
At Asset Preservation Tax & Retirement Services, we take care of all our clients’ financial needs. From income planning to tax planning to estate planning, our holistic approach looks at the whole picture. We look for ways to minimize your risk and tax liability and maximize your income strategies while putting a plan in place to efficiently transfer wealth to your loved ones.
Do they offer concierge service?
Planning your financial future is a lot more than a one-and-done meeting. Your journey is constantly evolving, and your financia ladvisor should work alongside you every step of the way in order to meet your goals and personal needs.
At Asset Preservation, we have a quarterly meeting with our clients in order to stay up to date on their plans and make adjustments accordingly. We also offer events for our clients to attend to really get to know them better!
Working with a financial advisor can greatly impact your financial future. Make sure you are working with someone who puts you and your retirement goals first. After all, it's your wealth we are talking about!
Stewart Willis is the founder and president of Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax, a financial planning firm in Phoenix, Arizona. Investment advisory services offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser.
