This is a qualified financial investment professional who primarily helps individuals and organizations achieve their financial objectives for pay. They consult with clients to analyze their goals, risk tolerance, and their corporate stages to identify strengths and opportunities for investment. After analysis, financial planners design a program that helps meet their goals by distributing their investments to earn the desired income and help grow businesses from one level to the next. Other areas of specialization for financial planners include; asset allocation, tax planning, estate planning, risk management, insurance coverage, and retirement planning.
Roles and Qualifications of a Financial Planner
Like any other field of study or profession, a financial planner must have sufficient professional and educational qualifications and the necessary experience before clients entrust them to offer financial advice. Financial planners who provide financial advice on investment and manage the investment on behalf of clients are known as fiduciaries. They are legally obligated to act in the best interest of the client and they can’t benefit personally from the client’s assets but fees charged for the services provided, although fiduciary specifics may vary. Financial planners make their money through hourly rates or annual fixed retainer or as a percentage of assets managed on behalf of clients.
For a financial planner to attain a CPF qualification, s/he should at least complete a board exam for a certified financial planner and engage in ongoing annual education programs to keep abreast of their skills and qualifications to remain relevant in their profession. A financial planning services sydney provider can do more than advising clients in areas such as retirement planning, insurance covers, investment opportunities, education planning, tax optimization strategies, etc, it means more than just planning investment for a client.
Merits for Choosing a Financial Planner
Before you engage a financial planner, there are merits to look through before entrusting your investment plans to a financial planner. Here are fundamental questions you should get answers from a financial planner before hiring or signing for any engagement:
- Look at the credentials
- Provide references
- How do they charge for the services or advice
- What is the area of expertise
- What services should expect
- How will you settle the disputes should they arise?
Is a financial planner really necessary? Getting to know the ins and outs of retirement wealth management is a good thing to have, but honestly, you will never be a financial expert in every aspect of your wealth management. Keeping in the know about financial changes and legislation affecting the economy and financial products is expensive and tedious. That is where financial planners come in. It is their area of expertise and they keep abreast with every development in the sector. You need to consider hiring the services of a financial planner to look into every aspect of your financial spectrum.
So, what are the key takeaways clients get from the services of a financial planner? There are many benefits including; great advice on wealth management and personal finances, financial advisors draw plans, and investment vehicles that can help clients realise their return on investment. While if you are not careful some might drive up cost at your expenses minding about their benefits. By and large, make sure your financial planner abides by the regulations stipulated fiduciary, standards, and obligations act in the interest of the clients and to avoid conflict of interest.