The process of selecting a firm to meet your financial planning needs is an important one.  Working with a financial planner is a very personal relationship.  A financial planner should have integrity, trust and a commitment to ethical behavior and high professional standards.  You want a planner who will put your needs and interests first.

How should you start looking for a financial planner?

Ask friends or business associates who may have used the services of a financial planner.  Your attorney, CPA or banker can be good sources, because planners often work with them in developing and implementing financial plans for their clients.

Interview at least three financial planners.  Some planners specialize in certain types of clients such as small business owners or retirees. Some specialize in certain areas of planning such as retirement planning, estate planning or asset management.  You want a planner who has experience in the areas where you need financial planning services.

Shown below is some information you should obtain from planners when you interview them:

• Educational background and work experience
• Services the planner provides
• Types of clients the planner serves
• The planner’s approach to financial planning
• How the planner might meet your particular needs
• How the planner is paid for services
• Typical charges for the type of services you need

The heart of any working relationship with a financial planner is trust.  The planner should provide you answers relating to all aspects of his/her education, training and work experience.

Not every financial planner is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP) professional.  CFP® professionals are certified and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board).

In order to be certified, the CFP® professional must pass a comprehensive certification examination and meet very specific experience and continuing education requirements.  CFP’s must also adhere to a Code of Ethics administered by the CFP Board.

At Independent Financial Advisors, all of our financial planners are CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals. We are committed to providing our clients unbiased, objective advice.  We are a fee only planning firm providing a broad spectrum of services to our clients.