When it comes to retirement planning, one of the most important decisions you will make is who to trust with your finances. It’s critical to find an advisor who understands your specific needs and can help guide you through the complex maze of investment options available today. Are you looking for guarantees or growth? What implications do those carry? Stick with guarantees but inflation may eat your gains OR look for growth but can you stomach the ups & downs? How do you go about finding the right financial advisor for you?
In this article, we’ll look at five questions you should ask when considering a financial advisor, as well as some warning signs that may indicate it’s time to find someone new. So if you are nearing retirement or are already retired and need help making your money last, read on.
Who are financial advisors?
Financial advisors are professionals who provide advice and guidance on investing, retirement and estate planning, tax issues, and other financial matters. They can work with individuals or couples, and their services are often used by people who are nearing retirement or have already retired.
They are highly qualified and regulated and must adhere to a strict code of ethics. Financial advisors typically have a university degree, plus additional training in financial planning and investment management. The standard is the CFP, the Certified Financial Planner.
When do you need a financial advisor?
You may need a financial advisor if you are having trouble meeting your financial goals, if you don’t have the time or knowledge to manage your investments on your own, or if you want someone to provide objective advice and guidance.
For example, you might want help with creating a retirement plan, investing for specific goals such as college savings or a new home, or managing your money after a major life event such as a divorce or the death of a spouse.
You might also turn to a financial advisor if you are having trouble sticking to your financial plan or find that your investment portfolio is not performing as well as you had hoped.
What are the benefits of having a Certified financial advisor for your retirement?
He/she can provide several benefits, including:
1. Helping to develop and implement a retirement plan
First of all, a Certified financial advisor can help to develop a retirement plan. This plan will take into account your current financial situation, as well as your goals and objectives for retirement. The advisor can then help to implement the plan, making sure that you are on track to reach your goals.
2. Assisting with asset allocation and portfolio management
If you are not experienced enough or don’t have much time to manage your investments, a financial advisor can help with asset allocation and portfolio management. This will ensure that your investments are well diversified and that they are aligned with your risk tolerance and investment goals.
3. Identifying potential sources of income during retirement
A financial advisor can also help to identify potential sources of income during retirement. This could include things like pension income, social security benefits, and investment income. When it comes to retirement, you always want to have multiple sources of income to fall back on.
4. Helping to reduce taxes in retirement
A financial advisor can also help to reduce your taxes in retirement. This is accomplished by strategies like tax-loss harvesting and asset location. By reducing your taxes, you will have more money available to put towards your other retirement expenses.
5. Guiding life transitions
Many different life transitions can occur during the retirement years. These could include things like downsizing your home, relocating to a new city, or dealing with the death of a spouse. A financial advisor can provide guidance and support during these difficult times.
How do I find the right financial advisor for retirement?
Now that you know the benefits of having a financial advisor, how do you go about choosing the right one? Here are a few tips:
1. Make sure they are Certified
The first thing you should look for is whether or not the financial advisor is certified. There are several different certifications that an advisor can have, but the most important one is the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. This designation indicates that the advisor has completed rigorous training and has passed a comprehensive exam.
2. Fee structure is important
Another important consideration is the fee structure of the financial advisor. Some advisors charge by the hour, while others charge a percentage of assets under management. Some advisors charge a flat fee for their services, and others will provide their services for free because they get a commission from the insurance companies and financial institutions they work with. When it comes to fees, you want to make sure that you are getting value for your money. Full disclosure is mandated by the financial industry regulators. Be sure to ask.
3. Consider their experience
When you are choosing a financial advisor, you also want to consider their experience. How long have they been working as a financial advisor? Do they have experience working with clients who are in retirement or close to retirement? It is important to choose an advisor who has a lot of experience, as they will be better equipped to deal with any challenges that may come up.
4. Get opinions from their ex-clients
Another good way to get an idea of what it is like to work with a particular financial advisor is to ask for opinions from their ex-clients. These clients can give you an idea of what the advisor is like to work with, as well as whether or not they were able to meet their goals.
5. Check their references
When you are choosing a financial advisor, you should also check their references. These references can give you an idea of the advisor’s credentials and experience. They can also give you an idea of the quality of the advisor’s work. You don’t want someone to handle your hard-earned money unless they have a good reputation.
6. Meet with them in person
Once you have narrowed down your choices, you should meet with the financial advisors in person. This will give you a chance to get to know them and to see if they are a good fit for you. You should also use this opportunity to ask them any questions that you may have. Also, be sure to ask for a copy of their financial planning process.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing a financial advisor for retirement, there are several things that you should keep in mind. These tips can help you to choose the right advisor for your needs. With the help of a good financial advisor, you can ensure that your retirement years are enjoyable and financially secure.
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