How To Choose And Prepare To Meet A Financial Planner
Check References and Background
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Finally, before signing an agreement with a planner, do a background check on the planner by:
- Verify references. While speaking to other clients can be helpful, bear in mind that the planner most likely provided you with the names of the people who were most satisfied with his or her services. Still, its always worth calling references (if for no other reason, to be sure they are real.) Consider asking the reference about his or her own situation. If it's similar to yours in some ways, there might be a greater chance that the planner will also meet your needs well.
- Do a background check:
- BrightScope has data on the backgrounds of nearly 450,000 financial professionals. Go to www.BrightScope.com . Enter your advisor's name.
- If your planner is a CFP, call the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. at 800.487.1497 ( 9 - 5 ET, Mon-Fri), press "0". The operator has access to the database.
- If your planner is licensed to sell securities, check her out at the SEC's web site: http://sec.gov/investor/brokers.htm
- Check the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org to see if any complaints have been filed about the planner you are considering.
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