Steps to picking a financial advisor
Before choosing a financial advisor do a little thinking. Define your goals for today, and for ten years down the road, and again for retirement. Get honest with yourself about all your assets and depts and monthly expenses.
My Advise is: Chose an advisor you can be completely honest with, and someone who you do not feel the need to impress or say the right things. Also, I think it is important to chose someone in your general age range. It is a good idea to develop long-term relationships with a financial planner an/or advisor. They will likey be going through similar situations and will better be able to relate.
Before putting any cash in the hands of an advisor or planner, take a risk assessment. Your advisor should give you one anyways, but be sure you take it. This will determine which investments you should be looking at to choose from. It determines how risky or conservative you are and what types of investments you will be most comfortable over.
Explain your short and long term goals and make sure your advisor understands you exactaly. Finally, re-assess your financial position and your investments every year. Make sure your advisor is looking out for your best interest and you are still on track to meet or beat your future goals.
