Ask Terry Questions Really — How do I find a Financial Planner? Will YOU do it??

Really — How do I find a Financial Planner? Will YOU do it??

By Terry Savage on March 27, 2017 | Financial Planning / Retirement

How does one find a reputable Financial Planner and Investor to educate and set us up for retirement? Do you or your offices provide such services? Respectfully, Tina

Terry Says

Thanks, Tina.  So many people have asked me this question that I probably should have gone into this business years ago!  (I started my career as a stockbroker, then became a founding member and one of the first women traders on the Chicago Board Options Exchange.)  Basically, I consider myself a "teacher" -- and journalistic credibility and my own values say that I cannot be in the business and recommend investments, or investment advisors for a fee.  So ANYTHING I recommend -- product, service or person -- NEVER gives me any kind of rebate or fee or kickback! I have often recommended starting to learn about the process of finding a trusted investment advisor at the new website -- http://www.campaignforinvestors.org/do-i-need-a-financial-advisor/.  You can search for advisors and search disciplinary records there.   And you need to know the difference between a true financial planner -- one with a Certified Financial Planner designation (www.cfpboard.org) and someone trying to sell you products for a fee or commission.     So the first question to ask is:  Are you acting as a Fiduciary -- putting my interests first, and fully disclosing all fees, commissions, and rebates you get for selling me any products.    Then ask if they will PUT THAT IN WRITING!!  That should sort things out pretty quickly!  Accept no excuses for not signing the Fiduciary Pledge -- if you want to be sure of this person's intentions. Finally, ask for references -- and check them!  this is YOUR money and worth taking the time to make sure you get it right.    

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