Financial Advisor
:Find a Financial Planner or CFP in your State
Financial Advisor/Financial Planner (CFP)
Elements of Financial Planning
Financial planning requires understanding all facets of personal finance. A financial advisor or financial planner should be versed in and able to address:
- Estate Planning
- Investments
- College and Education Funding
- Insurance and Risk Management
- Retirement Planning
- Taxes
- Small Business
- Senior Issues, including health insurance and long-term care
Disciplinary Issues
Before choosing a financial advisor, always find out whether the financial advisor has been subject to disciplinary actions. You want to avoid a dishonest advisor at all cost.
A Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) is required to complete Form ADV, a document that is prepared according to SEC regulations, and must be made available to every prospective client.
Resources - Financial Adviser & CFP
Sec.gov: Investment Adviser Search - Search Investment Adviser firms registered with the SEC and/or state securities regulators.
Sec.gov: Invest Wisely: Advice From Your Securities Industry Regulators
Finra.org: FINRA Broker-Check Check the Background of Your Investment Professional
Finra.org: Smart Investing
Investment Calculators & Tools
Financial Advisor/Financial Planner
A Financial Advisor or Financial Planner is a professional who provides financial advice or guidance to help individuals manage their personal finances. Financial planning is the process of meeting your life goals through proper management of your finances.
What Does Financial Advisor Mean?
Generally, a financial advisor provides advice on money issues related to investments, insurance, mortgages, college savings, estate planning, taxes and retirement. Most financial advisors earn a fee, generally either a flat fee or a percent of assets managed, for their services, while some are compensated based on commissions from the investments they sell to their clients. Fee-only arrangements are considered to be better for clients as it reduces the potential for conflict-of-interest.
Click on a State below to Search for a Financial Advisor in that State.
