Finding the Right Financial Planner, HELP!

groverisadork

Hello. My wife and I have a lot of questions regarding our financial future (paying off debt, which mutual funds to buy, etc.). How do we go about finding a financial planner that can help us with these questions? We've heard horror stories about planners who aren't looking out for us but for themselves instead. Is there a company that has a good reputation for truly keeping the customer first? Thanks for any advice.

MaxBialystock

Generally, a fee-for-service person is best, as opposed to anyone who represents a particular outfit. I do not (still) use any of the full-service trading/investment brokerages. But if you get hooked up with one of them, like many here are, they might offer you some time to talk over other stuff besides particular investments. I do not know for sure.

catch22

As Max mentioned; you likely should seek a fee only planner/advisor, at least to get you started on the right path. If possible, ask others in your area; avoid those planners who may be trying to sell you on "their" investment plan. Planners may range from insurance related products to full retail advisors also selling a product, including retail/fee mutual funds. You will find helpful information here regarding mutual funds.
The below link is for the organization, where you may search via zip code.
http://www.napfa.org/

Keep your heads up and eyes wide open. Make a list of questions related to your situation.

Regards,
Catch

hank

5 Facts Financial Advisors Wish You Knew
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/5-facts-financial-advisors-wish-171913046.html;_ylt=Aj4RQeKXR3KJsL8LkW215MiiuYdG;_ylu=X3oDMTQzYTYwcWFxBG1pdANGUCBJbnZlc3RpbmcgSWRlYXMEcGtnA2MzZTYyNDlhLTE5MTQtMzRkOS1hMjI1LTU4MDMxMDg0NWFiMwRwb3MDMwRzZWMDTWVkaWFTZWN0aW9uTGlzdAR2ZXIDMmY1ZDNhZGQtNzUyZS0xMWUxLTlmZWItMTNlZDEzODYyOTZm;_ylg=X3oDMTFvdnRqYzJoBGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwRwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANob21lBHB0A3NlY3Rpb25zBHRlc3QD;_ylv=3

scott

I would definitely look for an advisor that gets part of their pay for performance. I know family and family friends with different advisors and the ones with advisors who are paid via a combination of fee and performance are happiest, as their advisor has to be consistently engaged with their investments and has a "stake" in doing well.