CUSTOMIZATION
Your needs are unique—and your investment strategy
should be too. Make sure your advisor takes the time to
understand your personal goals in order to recommend a
customized plan that aligns with your risk tolerance. For
example, your advisor may select investments that earn
less in your portfolio yet make you feel more comfortable.
COMPENSATION
Consider an advisor who charges a fee for services rather
than commission-only from sales of stocks, insurance or
other types of investments. This can be an hourly fee, or
a percentage of your portfolio. But it helps ensure that he
or she is working to grow your investments, not profiting
primarily from sales.
EXPERIENCE
While it’s a good rule of thumb to look for at least three
years of experience working as a financial advisor, be sure
to ask what type of investing with which your advisor
is most experienced. If they answer “active trading in
equities” and you’re looking for a conservative financial
plan (or are about to retire), it may not be a good match.
INVESTMENT APPROACH
Every investor is unique. So make sure your advisor’s
investing philosophy isn’t too conservative or aggressive
for your investing style. And be sure to check their
assumptions when projecting rates of return—if they
seem particularly rosy (e.g., 15% with an inflation rate of
2%) it’s not very realistic—it might not be very realistic
and/or attainable for the long-term.
ACCESSIBILITY
Regardless of how much you have to invest, your
Financial Advisor should be working with your best
interests in mind. And even if you prefer to meet only
quarterly, or even yearly to discuss your portfolio, if
you have questions your Advisor should always be
available to give you answers. If they don’t return your
calls, it may be time for a change.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
To determine which course of action may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor.
This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.
LPL Financial representatives offer access to Trust Services through The Private Trust Company N.A., an affiliate of LPL Financial.
This material has been prepared by LPL Financial. A registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.
To the extent you are receiving investment advice from a separately registered independent investment advisor, please note that LPL Financial is not an affiliate of and makes no representation with respect to such entity.
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Jason A. Jennings, CFP®
Managing Partner
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