Finding a Financial Advisor

Managing your money can be a lot like juggling – the more balls you have in the air, the harder it gets. That’s why people often turn to financial advisors.

Financial professionals can help with everything from investing for retirement, to building a college fund or budgeting insurance costs.
A big consideration will be finding someone who can explain your options and guide you within your desired risk levels, to keep you on target to meet your goals.
You should also know what financial services you need, like retirement or estate planning, and look for one that specializes in that area.

A great place to start would be to ask your financial institution. You could also ask family, friends, and coworkers who they’ve worked with or might recommend.

Before making a decision, take the time to talk with a potential advisor about your needs and ask them about their fees. You’ll want someone you trust and who will be there when you need them.
Be aware that there are no specific credentials required to be called a financial advisor, so do your research and make sure they’re licensed and certified. You can also review an advisor’s record by visiting brokercheck-dot-FINRA-dot-org. This will show you the advisor’s employment history and licensing information, along with any complaints.

Once you’ve found the right advisor for you, then together, you can start working toward your goals.