Have you met with a financial planner?

We went to one about 20 years ago. It was the best idea ever. Our guy really gave us some things to think about and we acted on most of them (but not all). My father left me with some money and we weren't sure the best way to invest it. Currently my husband does most of our investing now. He got quite interested in investing and no one takes better care of your money than you do. We both retired at 50 and 51.

we have one and a tax accountant. our financial planner is someone who went to grad school with my dh. we meet 3-4 times a year and pay him a percentage. he was the one who said.. "you have enough money to retire".. and dh finally believed it. all or our money is in stocks and was in stock grants.. so it was a useful exercise. I would interview 3-4 people from various firms. charles schwab has a good reputation. USAA if you have that access has planners..

Our financial planner is a guy I used to work with. I never see a fee. I assume he gets paid by the investment companies he refers us to.

He shows me different plans according to risk and reward. mutual funds and retirement Acct. I’ve been very please with my statements. Here’s a funny. Years ago Fred wanted to take money out to buy a car. Guy says don’t do it, don’t do it... we did it and the market ended up tanking the next day. He callled us and said you were right! We picked the best possible time to take money out.

Dh met ours playing soccer...we found out a few other folks we know use and recommend him too. We meet once a year in person, I know he and dh see each other every weekend. We pay a % of our portfolio.

We've had a financial planner for 20+ years, and I wish we had met him sooner than that! He gets paid a percentage from our funds; the amount varies with each fund. Frankly, I don't care about the +/- 1% he gets from us as he has made us huge amounts on our accounts. The more he makes for us; the more he makes for himself.

Under the umbrella of our account, our girls opened accounts when they were 14. When they turned 21, our names were removed, and they are on their own. They are both making typically small/average salaries right now, but they are contributing to their investment accounts every month with automatic contributions.

Those of you who use a financial planner, if you're not already doing so, I highly encourage you to get your children set up as well. We feel one of the best things we did for our girls is get them started to financial security and early retirement.

We are on our 2nd one. We moved to a different state and after 3 years of our annual review on the phone, we switched.

She advises us what funds to put 401K in and then manages our other portfolio. She is responsive and calls to check in from time to time.

We pay a percentage (somewhere close to 1%ish). I appreciate peace of mind to know she keeps her eye on our portfolio and the market.

A few years back we met/interviewed two fin. planners, and were not real impressed with either of them. Both f them were with established companies, but were fresh out of college.

Then we got thinking and decided to met with the man that had been my parents advisor for 30+. As my dad's POA I had already been working with him and was very comfortable. So that is what we did, started with him and his group in Feb. He unexpectedly passed away that Oct, but had passed my account over to a lady in his group, who we really connected with. Then my dad died the next month, so the transition of his accounts to me went very smoothly.

I pay 1 - 1.5% percent for the service of them, except for a annuity that we rolled over from Chase to this company. The annuity company takes a nice chunk each year.

Go with your gut and your comfort level. We were very upfront about what we wanted to do with our funds and that played a key role. We are retired and want to pull out money for travel, fixing up the house, etc. Nothing crazy each year, but a nice trip at least once a year. My money, my wishes......the young guys were not real happy with that plan......move on to some one else.

You may not be that far off on a one-time consultation. Not everyone wants someone to handle your investments, or like you, does not need a full time adviser.


But, you do need to be open about your finances in order to get the best advice. I admit, it was REALLY hard to tell a stranger (now a friend!) about our mortgage, savings, retirement savings, insurance, etc.

We use someone through Focus Financial. link

You are obviously savvy enough to know to run if the person you consult with tries to sell you products with large fees and/or big profits for him or her. Our advisor is very, very upfront about cost.

Yes, we have one. We meet with him yearly. He came recommended through a friend.

My place of employment also has an all day retirement workshop that they begin to offer you as you near retirement. You can go every 5 years. I went 5 years ago and just received an invitation to attend another one. Spouses are invited. The whole thing is free, which is great!

We’ve had a financial planners for at least 30 years—we’ll before retirement.  The most important qualifications for ours is integrity and financial acumen.  We have been well served, and the modest fee paid them for their service buys us peace of mind as well as financial security.  Our current advisor was a recommendation from our attorney.

I’ve used he same firm for 20 years, but throughout time a few different people within. I really like the vibe I get from my FP now. I meet with him probably twice a year as needs/changes come up. That’ll slow down now hat my divorce dust is completely settled. I’m a way off from retirement too, so I have plenty of time. I like seeing their forecasts and models showing me where I’m at, and if I’m on track. I’m way overestimated on where my goals are, in hopes I can retire early. But of course, healthcare is my big concern for the future...between retirement and government healthcare is the questionable period.

The fees I’m charged are just all part of the investment package with this firm