Making informed investment decisions can be a time consuming and complicated process. Reading financial publications, visiting financial Web sites, researching companies, and staying on top of current economic news are all part of this process. 

To learn more about working with financial advisors, visit these websites: National Association of Personal Financial Advisors Financial Planning Association  International Association of Registered Financial Planners

Many individuals have turned to financial advisors to handle this aspect of their lives.

An investor may choose to work with a financial advisor because of a sudden change in their financial situation, such as an inheritance, marriage or divorce. Or if you feel unsure of your ability as an individual investor and want guidance in making sound investment decisions, an advisor may offer the services you need.

Some advisors earn commissions through loads and transaction fees on the products they recommend you purchase. Others charge an hourly fee for information and advice on an as-needed basis, similar to attorneys and some tax advisors. Another common arrangement is asset-fee based where you pay the advisor a percentage of your total assets on an annual basis.

Using a Financial Professional
By communicating your goals and concerns up front, you can get a feeling for whether a financial advisor may be a good fit for your particular financial situation. Read more...