How to Choose a Financial Advisor

One of the core pillars of my firm is Personalized Advice.

Many other firms work with a one-size-fits-all mindset, which doesn't give you the best results.

I believe that:

✅Every person's goals are different

✅Money is an incredibly personal topic

✅Every person's financial situation is different

When I first looked for my own advisor, I found that they were all recommending and saying the same things.

That just didn't make sense to me.

I wanted more than that.

So I did my own research and figured out a plan for myself.

And ultimately that became one of the reasons why I started my own firm.

I had lofty goals, and I knew that my finances would play a large part in my ability to achieve them.

I had taken the time to invest in my own education, with the idea that I would fully manage all of my investments and take myself to the next level.

I quickly realized that the world of finances has countless layers, and most people managing investments do so for a living, and therefore spend significantly more time doing research than I could.

So I set out to become that for other people.

To take my journey, my lessons, my experience, and help others that didn't have the time or the desire to do what I do.

I can't blame them, it is a lot nicer to spend time outside or hanging out with friends than staring at stock charts. (but I do love my charts!)

Now, I'm not saying all advisors are bad.

There are plenty of advisors who work hard just like I do to provide personalized advice, and don't collect commissions on the stocks they purchase for their clients.

I just didn't know what to look for back then.

If you're looking for a new advisor, here are my tips:

1. Work with someone who asks you what your goals are

Anyone who doesn't do this, is going to give you the same advice they give everyone else

2. Look for a Fee-Only Fiduciary

They have a legal obligation to work in your best interest and only make money from the fees they charge you (no commissions or back door deals)

3. Ask them how they charge in your initial conversation

If they can't answer that question or don't give you a clear answer, maybe look elsewhere.

4. Ask if they do more than investments

You want someone that is looking at your entire financial life, not just your investment accounts.

Having an advisor in your corner can be huge for accomplishing your financial and ultimately life goals.

Just make sure you find one that aligns with your values and is going to give you recommendations that make sense for you.

Ryan Sullivan, PE

After successfully building an engineering department from the ground up to over $1M in annual revenue in under 5 years, Ryan founded Off the Beaten Path Financial in pursuit of his passion for finance, investing, and the perfect spreadsheet.

Now he provides comprehensive financial planning, cash flow management, and investment management to guide architects and engineers along the path to financial freedom.

Previous
Previous

Putting Today’s Interest Rates in Perspective

Next
Next

Not Sure What to Invest Your 401k in?