The financial services industry has done a terrible job of earning consumers' trust. So much so that many investors choose to go it alone. And while managing your finances is not brain surgery, it’s not like hitting the “easy” button either. It takes constant vigilance, research and education to stay informed on changing tax laws, product innovation and financial trends. If you’re comfortable doing all these things, then doing it yourself is an option. But if you’re not comfortable tackling all this on your own, then you may benefit from the help of a financial advisor. The challenge is that there are a lot of different types of financial advisors out there who offer a wide range of services and charge for those services in a variety of ways. How do you find one who’s right for you?
The first place to start is to interview several advisors until you find one with whom you feel comfortable. You should be able to get a feel for their approach and determine if their style is appropriate for you. The biggest thing you should look for is someone who is interested in getting to know you. Most advisors that you would want to work with will welcome the opportunity to get to know you before diving into the planning process. In fact, if an advisor starts talking about products and investments (other than to explain the services they offer) before asking a number of questions about you, that is probably someone to avoid.
When interviewing a financial advisor there are several questions you should ask:
Once you’ve selected an advisor, you should expect to provide them with complete information regarding your financial situation, goals and risk tolerance. The advisor will then analyze that information and provide either a written plan or professional assessment, along with suggestions on strategies you can use to achieve those goals. Depending on the complexity, the initial engagement usually takes anywhere from 1-4 meetings, with ongoing interactions 2-4 times per year.
To learn more call (805) 988-2151 ext. 5710 or complete the form on this page to schedule an appointment with one of our advisors.
The information presented here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax or investment advice. Please consult a qualified professional.
Non-deposit investment advisory products and services are offered through CuVantis Wealth Planning, LLC, (“CuVantis”), a California Registered Investment Advisor. Credit Unions have contracted with CuVantis to make non-deposit investment advisory products and services available to credit union members. Investments offered through CuVantis are not federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit unions, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered as Investment Adviser Representatives of CuVantis. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where CuVantis and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure.
For a complete description of investment risks, fees and services, please review the CuVantis firm brochure (ADV Part 2A) which is available from your Investment Advisor Representative or by contacting CuVantis at info@cuvantis.com or (619) 535-7680. Additional information about CuVantis is also available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Check the background of your financial professional on FINRA’s BrokerCheck or at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov