How to Find a Financial Planner Who Won't Rip You Off
Don't know where to get started? Here are some tips to help you find a financial expert with whom you can entrust your finances.
Credentials are important, but they aren't everything.
When vetting a potential financial planner, a good place to start is to check their credentials. Do they have any advanced degree in finance or business? Do they possess other professional designations that suggest they are qualified and experienced?
However, keep in mind that a financial planner with a premier certification can be more expensive than an equally qualified but non-certified one, so don't base your decision solely on the credentials. Many great financial planners in Edmonton Alberta, CA, are non-licensed yet boast a legacy of success under their belt.
They can still provide valuable advice and guidance when it comes to saving and investing. Plus, they usually charge much lower fees for their services. Although generally, working with a Canadian financial planner means having assurance that they've undergone rigorous training and testing.
Research potential planners thoroughly.
When it comes to your finances, you want the best advice possible. With so many financial advisers in Edmonton Alberta, CA, research is a must if you want to find an adviser who possesses (a) stellar credentials and (b) tremendous skill.
Check their website to have a sense of their background, experience, philosophy on financial planning, and fees. You should be able to get all of these with just a few clicks! If they have certifications or awards, make sure that you check whether those were earned legitimately – read up on the qualifications required for each award to discern if the award was indeed warranted.
Don't be afraid to ask around either. Word of mouth is still one of the most effective tools for finding a reliable financial planner. Ask your friends, family, or other professionals in the field if they have anyone that they recommend.
Look for someone who charges a flat fee – not a commission.
When you're finally meeting with a potential planner, an important question to ask is how they are compensated for their services. The answer will give you some insight into whether or not their interests are truly aligned with yours.
You want to look for a financial planner in Edmonton Alberta, CA, who charges a flat fee for their services. This way, you know that they aren't being paid based on the products they sell you. Instead, their focus will be on helping you reach your financial goals in the most efficient way possible without ulterior motives.
Of course, this doesn't mean that all commission-based financial planners are bad news. There are still some good ones out there. However, you should be aware of the potential conflict of interest that exists when an adviser is being paid based on the products they sell.
Trust your gut.
When you've found a couple of candidates you want to learn more about, take some time to really listen and see how they speak. Do they answer all your questions thoroughly without being overly vague? Do they seem knowledgeable in their field without sounding like a know-it-all?
Trusting your gut is one of the best ways to find someone who will genuinely care for your finances. After all, being taken advantage of by unscrupulous planners can be disastrous for your short and long-term goals!
Where to Get Expert Financial Advice?
You don't just lend your money to anyone. You do your research, ask around, and try to get a sense of who that person is before entrusting them with your hard-earned cash. The same principle applies when selecting a financial planner in Edmonton Alberta, CA.
If you're looking for great financial advice from an experienced professional who is passionate about their craft, Evergreen Wealth Advisory is your one-stop solution. The qualified financial planner has years of experience at the table and is constantly working to improve their skills and knowledge to help you achieve all of your financial goals.
Contact 587-480-7476 to learn more about their financial services!