Do you feel like you can't trust your financial advisor to work with your best interests in mind?

Here's a foolproof system to help you find the right investment professional for you. It's all about getting the FACTS.

F stands for Fees, Facts & Flexibility

1. If you were buying a car, you'd get prices from several dealers before making a decision. Do the same with your investment person and be careful about hidden fees!

2. Get the facts about the person you are working with; their experience, education, values etc.

3. Query their flexibility in handling your portfolio. You want someone who can adapt to life's changes, without having to sell out your entire portfolio and repurchase new investments.  This could be very costly.

A stands for Accessibility

If you need to take money out, how soon you can get it?  It's important to know if your money will be "locked up" for a period of time and if there are exit fees.

C stands for Communication

1. Get to know the person you will be working with.  Ask them how long they've been in the business, how many clients they service.  Ask yourself if you enjoy talking with them and if they listen to you!

2. Many investment professionals hand off the actual investment decisions regarding your money to a third party, like a mutual fund or affiliated money manager.  It's vital that you know how your needs will be communicated to these people. Ask if you can meet the person making your portfolio decisions.

3. Establish how you'll be communicating (email, phone) with your investment professional?  And how often?

T stands for Transparency

Understanding your portfolio helps you connect to your investments and makes them a more important part of your life. Ask your investment professional to discuss the individual holdings with you. 

S stands for Security and Success

When you apply these FACTS to selecting an investment professional, you'll feel more secure about your investments. When clients are secure they are ultimately successful!