How to choose a Financial Advisor

Financial Advisors are like tour guides: It’s their job to pinpoint where you want to go and help you get from point A to point B. Whether your destination is retirement, a college education, or your dream home, they can give you information, point out important milestones and landmarks, and help you decide what to do next. Here are a few tips for finding the Financial Advisor for you:

Set expectations. Determine how closely you want your advisor to work with you. For example, if you’re interested in investing and don’t have the knowledge or experience to execute an investment plan yourself, you many need to consult a Financial Advisor on a more regular basis than a more experienced investor. Your advisor can help you with a range of decisions, from helping you determine your investment goals to dealing with the financial impact of divorce.

Look for credentials. Search online and ask for references and/or conduct an interview with a potential advisor. Ask them about their education, work history, and services, as well as whether they’ll be working with you directly. You also may want to ask about and check their credentials. Obtain other information about Wells Fargo Advisors and its financial professionals at BrokerCheck from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Ask about fees and commissions. Depending on the type of account, or accounts, you open, your advisor may receive a flat fee, an hourly rate, a percentage of the value of the assets they manage, or commissions when you buy and sell investments. 

Find the right fit. The person you trust with your money should be someone you like, someone you trust, and someone who makes you feel comfortable. After all, it’s not just your finances at stake; it’s your future. 

There are a lot of advisors out there. With a little time and research, you’ll be able to find the one for you.