 What experience do you have?
Find out how long the planner has been working and the quantity and types of companies which he had consulted. Ask the planner to describe her work experience and how it is related to her present job. Choose a planner who has worked with individuals.
What are your qualifications?
Ask the planner what qualifies him to offer such services and whether he is recognized as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional or CFP® practitioner, a Certified Public Accountant-Personal Financial Specialist (CPA-PFS), or a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC). Choose a planner who has experience in insurance, tax, investments financial planning, estate and retirement planning. Determine what steps the planner takes to keep up with changes and developments in the field of financial planning. If the planner has a financial planning designation or certification, check his background with CFP Board.
What services do you offer?
Financial planner’s services depend on many factors including credentials, licenses and areas of knowledge. Usually financial planners are not allowed to sell insurance or securities products without the proper licenses, or give investment recommendations without being registered with state or Federal authorities. Many financial advisors offer financial planning service regarding different topics but don’t sell financial products. Others may give only specialized advice, for example, concerning estate planning or on tax issues.
What is your approach to financial planning?
Some planners develop a sole plan and bring together all of your financial objectives. Others prefer to provide advice on specific fields, as needed.
Make sure his point of view on investing is coinciding with yours. Some consult only individuals with a certain net worth. Get to know if the planner will carry out the recommendations developed for you or refer you to other professionals.
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