How to Find a Financial Planner

6 steps to help you avoid swindlers and find a qualified adviser

By Kerry Hannon

Posted: October 1, 2008

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6. Listen to their questions. If the planner just asks about your income and assets, be cautious. He or she should want to know far more: about your family, your goals, and your risk tolerance. A good financial planner is someone you hire to help you make your nest egg last in retirement. Your goal, says Virginia Tech's Leech: hiring someone who can make your overall financial life smoother, with less day-to-day angst about money. After all, who needs it?

The best advice is to find an advisor who specialize in your specific needs. At http://www.claroconnect.com you can find advisors who work with airline pilots, divorced women, union pension plans and hundreds of other specialties.

financial advisor of DC @ Jan 28, 2009 19:40:13 PM

Excellent basic article

I'd like to see the inane comments of Stravinsky deleted, nor is Smitty99 showing any comprehension of what Hannon was trying to teach. #1: If you want estate planning and portfolio allocation advice, go to a registered professional such as a CFP.

The Garrett network can help you find a pro who charges hourly to help. But the best pros are asset-based, so if you don't have $500K minimum in LIQUID assets (not home equity, IOW), you'll need to educate yourself. Check out the AARP site for assistance; you can get referrals there.

Never, never, confuse a fancy-titled stockbroker or insurance agent with a true Certified Financial Planner! Learn the difference between ADVISORY responsibility and FIDUCIARY responsibility to a customer - this is crucial.

Jkom2010 of CA @ Dec 13, 2008 19:43:09 PM

Financial Planner

Kerry Hannon is a moron. Condsidering the other expertise is Pole Dancing For Exercise (see article July 2007) the only swindler is that Kerry probably got paid to do this idiotic article. I saw people recently offering Securities for a Wirehouse in Sam's and CostCo. How professional is that?

Smitty99 of FL @ Oct 16, 2008 00:04:52 AM

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