| Not Everyone Needs a Financial Advisor |
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Some folks hide their head in the sand and do nothing. My advice is (naturally) to educate yourself before you hire a professional. It is your financial life and the more you know, even if you do hire professionals, the better you are equiped to create a healthy financial future. |
There are millions of people who never use the services of accountants, advisors, attorneys, brokers, or other professionals. Some do so by educating themselves and using the best tools so they can perform the tasks of the professionals.
Define Your Questions And Needs
There are usually one or two compelling questions that motivate a person to seek financial help. Make sure you are clear about your questions and needs before you make an appointment with a financial professional.
Try this:
1) List all the questions you would like to ask a financial professional.
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Financial Services Should Be Delivered, Not Sold
Avoid financial services that are sold and marketed, rather than delivered. The difference between the two really adds up. The cost of selling and marketing financial services (commissions) add tremendously to the overall cost of managing your financial life.
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Look For Professionals Who Have The Right Credentials
Financial professionals should have education and experience in their field. As a minimum I recommend the following professionals attain a certain level of education and experience in specific subject areas.
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Respected Individuals
Financial services should be delivered, not sold! The ABC's of a Financial Education AVOID: Popular magazines, books, and personalities. Most seminars (most are offered by sales professionals).More... Listening to those who don’t have the proper background. Websites that hype and advertise excessively.
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Not Everyone Needs a Financial Advisor
There are millions of people who never use the services of accountants, advisors, attorneys, brokers, or other professionals. Some do so by educating themselves and using the best tools so they can perform the tasks of the professionals.
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Ask Around
The best tip I can pass on to you regarding referrals is to be very picky whom you ask. As an example, the guy who drives an old truck and wears the same shirt everyday is the last guy most people would ask financial questions. Most people are going to ask the guy who drives a $50,000 car and wears expensive clothes.
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