Finding reputable financial advisor websites can be a challenge, but if you are willing to ask three simple questions, you can locate a high-quality practitioner.
The key to connecting with a reliable financial advisor depends on the number of years they’ve been in business, their credentials, and their online reviews. The fact of the matter is that only the best advisors will have high consumer ratings across all online review sites. As well, most people don’t want to trust their money, or money-related decisions, to a brand new advisor. Nor do consumers want someone who is not properly trained.
Here are the three questions to explore in order to find high-quality financial advisor websites:
How Long Have They Been in Business?
If their website doesn’t say, call the company and ask about their experience level. Honest firms will be happy to share that information, and explain how you can verify it. State agencies require businesses to be licensed. That makes it simple to call the appropriate state agency and check on a firm’s age, owners’ names, and other pertinent information.
If this is your first time to hire a financial advisor, look for a firm that has been in business at least five year, preferably more. It also helps to work with a firm that has a local office you can visit. If that’s not possible, consider “going local” by finding a nearby firm and exploring their website for basic information.
What is Their Professional Training?
Financial advisors have a wide range of credentialing options. Some have college degrees in finance or accounting, or a master’s degree in relevant subjects like business planning, taxation, or financial planning. Specific designations like CPA, CFP, JD, and EA are some of the credentials you can check on. Each one has its advantages and specialties: CPAs, certified public accountants, are top-level accountants who are qualified to offer all sorts of financial advice. CFPs, certified financial planners, are trained in financial planning but are not certified accountants. JDs are attorneys, who may or may not specialize in offering financial guidance. EAs are Enrolled Agents, certified by the IRS and able to help consumers with taxation issues.
It’s important to remember that until you’ve done business with a financial advisor and properly vetted their organization, there is no need to give them personal details about yourself, your spouse or your family. This includes social security numbers, bank account numbers, or tax return information. Always proceed carefully when you hire a financial advisor, making sure to protect your own information and financial assets.
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