Financial Professionals

How to Find the Right Professionals for Your Financial Needs

Very few people have all the knowledge necessary to plan their finances, figure their taxes, invest their money and protect their assets.

While it is not impossible to gather most of the knowledge you need, especially if you willing to spend the time to read and study, a lot of people seem to become hopefully confused rather easily when it comes to personal finance.

If you do want to try to learn about saving and investing, a good place to start is Andrew Tobias' The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need. This is a breezy, easy-to-read and comprehend book that really lives up to its title, at least for most people.

But some services can only be performed by licensed professionals.

Fortunately, there are experts out there willing to help - and it doesn't have to cost a fortune to get good advice. Finding the right help at the right price is want you really want.

Shop for professionals just like you would shop for any other major purchase. Just because some guy has a few letters after his name doesn't mean he's competent and/or honest.

Check his credentials, ask for references - but be aware some professionals, like attorneys can't disclose their client list.

Ask friends, relatives, co-workers and professionals you already work with, like your doctor or lawyer for names.

In this series of articles I will discuss the professionals most people are likely to encounter in planning and controlling their financial affairs and give you some hints on things to look for before you hire anyone:

Financial Professionals

Financial Planners
Stock Brokers and Mutual Fund Companies
Insurance Brokers and Agents
Attorneys