You've weighed the Pros and Cons of Having a Financial Advisor, and have decided that it's time to hire. How do you make sure that you hire the right person for you and your family?
As an adviser, I think my clients chose me because we mesh well as people. It isn’t so much about the investments or the products. It is more about the partnership and friendship that is being built. Think about it; this advisor will carry your entire financial future for the next 30 years. This is not something to take lightly!
If you are looking for an adviser, look for someone you feel comfortable with, not impressed by. Most people can impress your eyes with a nice suit and fancy office. They can make you feel like they have a ton of knowledge with their pitch. However, these are all surface-level things that can be manipulated by a great salesperson.
When you are going through the process of hiring an adviser, try to feel trust before anything else. Make sure to ask lots of questions about who they are as a person as well as an adviser. Credentials are important, but I have met some very sketchy financial advisers with more pedigree than a dog show.
In order to build that trust, I would suggest a series of meetings with the potential advisor:
The first meeting should be had over the phone (and, if you like what they have to say, go to the second meeting).
Have the second meeting at a coffee shop. This lets you meet on equal ground, so you aren’t swayed by what they want you to see. If you like them, go to meeting three.
Make the third meeting at their office. This gives you the chance to make sure they are who they say they are. If you’re still feeling confident, go to meeting four.
Have the fourth meeting at your dinner table (because by now, you should feel comfortable enough to have them sit in your home).
If you don’t feel comfortable doing the fourth meeting in your house, there’s probably a reason why and it means trust hasn’t been established. If you can’t trust someone to see the inside of your home, how are you supposed to trust them with your entire financial future?
If you would like to schedule the first meeting with a financial advisor in your area, please Contact Us.
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