Many wonder what a financial advisor does. In general, these professionals help you make decisions about what you should do with your money, which may include investments or other courses of action.
Key Takeaways
- A financial advisor is often responsible for more than just executing trades in the market on behalf of their clients.
- Advisors use their knowledge and expertise to construct personalized financial plans that aim to achieve the financial goals of clients.
- These plans include not only investments but also savings, budget, insurance, and tax strategies.
- Advisors further check in with their clients on a regular basis to re-evaluate their current situation and plan accordingly.
- You do not need to be wealthy to benefit from the services of a financial advisor.
The Many Roles of a Financial Advisor
A financial advisor is your financial planning partner. Let's say you want to retire in 20 years or send your child to a private university in 10 years. To accomplish your goals, you may need a skilled professional with the right licenses to help make these plans a reality; this is where a financial advisor comes in.
Together, you and youradvisor will cover many topics, including the amount of money you should save,the types of accounts you need,the kinds of insurance you should have (including long-term care, term life, disability, etc.), and estate and tax planning.
The financial advisor is also an educator. Part of the advisor's task is to help you understand what is involved in meeting your future goals. The education process may include detailed help with financial topics. At the beginning of your relationship, those topics may include budgeting and saving. As you advance in your knowledge, the advisor will assist you in understanding complex investment, insurance, and tax matters.
Services Provided by Financial Advisors
Financial advisors provide a variety of services to clients, whether that's providing general investment advise or assisting in reaching a financial goal like investing in a college education fund. Below, find a list of the most common services provided by financial advisors.
- Investment advising: A financial advisor offers advice on investments that fit your style, goals, and risk tolerance, developing and adapting investing strategy as needed.
- Debt management: A financial advisor creates strategies to help you pay your debtand avoid debt in the future.
- Budget assistance: A financial advisor provides tips and strategies to create budgets that help you meet your goals in the short and the long term.
- College savings preparation: Part of a budgeting strategy may include strategies that help you pay for higher education.
- Retirement planning: Likewise, a financial advisor creates a saving plan crafted to your specific needs as you head into retirement.
- Estate planning: A financial advisor helps you identify the people or organizations you want to receive your legacy after you die and creates a plan to carry out your wishes.
- Long-term healthcare and insurance assistance: A financial advisor provides you with the best long-term solutions and insurance options that fit your budget.
- Tax planning: When it comes to taxes, a financial advisor may help you prepare tax returns, maximize tax deductions so you get the most out of the system, schedule tax-loss harvesting security sales, ensure the best use of the capital gains tax rates, or plan to minimize taxes in retirement.
The Financial Health Questionnaire
A financial advisor will work with you to get a complete picture of your assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. On the questionnaire, you will also indicate future pensions and income sources, project retirement needs, and describe any long-term financial obligations. In short, you’ll list all current and expected investments, pensions, gifts, and sources of income.
The investing component of the questionnaire touches upon more subjective topics, such as your risk tolerance and risk capacity. Having an understanding of your risk helps your advisor when it’s time to determine your investment asset allocation. At this point, you'll also let your advisor know your investment preferences as well.
The initial assessment may also include an examination of other financial management topics, such as insurance issues and your tax situation. The advisor needs to be aware of your current estate plan, as well as other professionals on your planning team, such as accountants andlawyers. Once you and the advisor understand your present financial position and future projections, you’re ready to work together on a plan to meet your life and financial goals.
The Financial Plan
The financial advisor synthesizes all of this initial information into a comprehensive financial plan that serves as a roadmap for your financial future. Itbegins with a summaryof the key findings from your initial questionnaire andsummarizes your current financial situation, including net worth, assets, liabilities, and liquid or working capital.The financial plan also recaps the goals you and the advisordiscussed.
The analysis section of this lengthy document will provide more information about several topics, including your risk tolerance, estate-planning details, family situation, long-term care risk, and other pertinent present and future financial issues.
Based upon your expected net worth and future income at retirement, the plan will create simulations of potentially best- and worst-case retirement scenarios, including the scary possibility of outliving your money. In this case, steps can be taken to prevent that outcome. It will look at reasonable withdrawal rates in retirement from your portfolio assets. Additionally, if you are married or in a long-term partnership, the plan will considersurvivorship issues and financial scenarios for the surviving partner.
After you review the plan with the advisor and adjust it asnecessary,you’re ready for action.
Financial advising is a hot topic, and it pays to stay up to date on the Department of Labor's Fiduciary Rulings, as they may have a significant impact on the financial advising industry.
Financial Advisors and Investments
It’s important for you, as the consumer, to understand what your planner recommends and why. You should not follow an advisor’s recommendations unquestioningly; it’s your money, and you should understand how it’s being deployed. Keep a close eye on the fees you are paying—both to your advisor and for any funds bought for you.
Ask your advisor why they recommend specific investments and whether they are receiving a commission for selling you those investments. Be alert for possible conflicts of interest.
The advisor will set up an asset allocation that fits both your risk tolerance and risk capacity. Asset allocation is simply a rubric to determine what percentage of your total financial portfolio will be distributed across various asset classes. A more risk-averse individual will have a greater concentration of government bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs), and money market holdings, while an individual who is more comfortable with risk may decide to take on more stocks, corporate bonds, and perhaps even investment real estate. Your asset allocation will be adjusted for your age and for how long you have before retirement.
Important
Each financial advisory firm is required to make investments in accordance with the law and with its company investment policy when buying and selling financial assets.
A commonality among firms is that financial products are selected to fit the client’s risk profile. Suppose, for example, a 50-year-old individual who’s already amassed enough net worth for retirement and is predominantly interested in capital preservation. They may have a very conservative asset allocation of 45% in stock assets (which may include individual stocks, mutual funds, and/or exchange-traded funds (ETFs)) and 55% in fixed-income assets such as bonds. Alternatively, a 40-year-old individual with a smaller net worth and a willingness to take on more risk to build up their financial portfolio may opt for an asset allocation of 70% stock assets, 25% fixed-income assets, and 5% alternative investments.
While taking into account the firm’s investment philosophy, your personal portfolio will also fit your needs. It should be based onhow soon you need the money,your investment horizon, and yourpresent and future goals.
Regular Financial Monitoring
Once your investment plan is in place, you’ll receive regular statements from your advisor updating you on your portfolio. The advisor will also set up regular meetings to review your goals and progress and to answer any additional questions you may have. Meeting remotely via phone or video chat can help make those contacts happen more often.
In addition to regular, ongoing meetings, it’s important to consult with your financial advisor when you anticipate a significant change in your life that might impact your financial picture, such as getting married or divorced, adding a child to your family, buying or selling a home, changing jobs, or getting a job promotion.
$78,371
The average base salary of a financial advisor, according to Indeed.
Signs You May Need an Advisor
Anyone can work with a financial advisor at any age and at any stage of life. You don’t have to have a high net worth; you just have to find an advisor suited to your situation.
The decision to enlist professional help with your money is a highly personal one, but any time you’re feeling overwhelmed, confused, stressed out, or scared by your financial situation may be a good time to look for a financial advisor. If you cannot afford such help, the Financial Planning Association may be able to help with pro bono volunteer assistance.
It’s also fine to approach a financial advisor when you’re feeling financially secure but you want someone to ensure that you’re on the right track. An advisor can suggest possible improvements to your plan that might help you achieve your goals more effectively. Finally, if you don’t have the time or interest to manage your finances, that’s another good reason to hire a financial advisor.
Those are some general reasons you might need an advisor’s professional help. Here are some more specific ones.
None of Your Savings Are Invested or You Don’t Know How to Invest
Because we live in a world of inflation, any money you keep in cash or in a low-interest account declines in value each year. Investing is the only way to make your money grow, and unless you have an exceptionally high income, investing is the only way most people will ever have enough money to retire.
You Have Investments, But You’re Consistently Losing Money
Even the best investors lose money when the market is down or when they make a decision that doesn’t turn out as they’d hoped. But, overall, investing should increase your net worth considerably. If it’s not doing that, hiring a financial advisor can help you find out what you’re doing wrong and correct your course before it’s too late.
You Don’t Have a Current Estate Plan
A financial advisor can also help you put together an estate plan to make sure your assets are handled according to your wishes after you die. And if you aren’t properly insured (or aren’t sure what insurance you need), a financial advisor can help with that, too. Indeed, a fee-only financial advisor may be able to offer a less biased opinion than an insurance agent can.
How to Choose a Financial Advisor
Follow these simple steps in order to choose the right financial advisor that provides strategies and services that fit your goals and needs.
- Interview a few different advisors and compare their services, style, and fees. Don't forget to be prepared with a questionnaire to help you decide if they are a good fit.
- Look for an advisor who focuses on educating. A good financial advisor shouldn't just sell their services, but provide you with the tools and resources to become financially savvy and independent, so you can make informed decisions on your own.
- Seek out an advisor who is educated and well-informed. You want an advisor who stays on top of the financial scope and updates in any area and who can answer your financial questions about a myriad of topics.
- Look for an advisor that not only matches your style and beliefs, but also understands your emotions. You want a trustworthy advisor that is well aware of your risk tolerance and encourages you to take wise decisions.
The Costs of a Financial Advisor
A rule proposed by the Department of Labor (DOL) would have required all financial professionals who work with retirement plans or give retirement plan advice to provide advice that is in the client’s best interest (the fiduciary standard), as opposed to simply suitable for the client (the suitability standard). The rule was passed, its implementation was delayed and then a court killed it.
But in the roughly three-year interval between President Obama's proposal of the rule and its eventual death, the media shed more light than it had previously on the different ways financial advisors work, how they charge for their services and how the suitability standard might be less helpful to consumers than the fiduciary standard. Some financial advisors decided to voluntarily move to a fiduciary standard or more heavily promote that they already operated under that standard. Others, such as certified financial planners™(CFPs), already adhered to this standard. But even under the DOL rule, the fiduciary standard would not have applied to non-retirement advice.
Commission-Based Model
Under the suitability standard, financial advisors typically work on commission for the products they sell to clients. This means the client may never receive a bill from the financial advisor. On the other hand, they could end up with financial products that charge higher fees than other similar products on the market. These same financial products may result in the advisor earning a high commission.
Fee-Based Model
Under the fiduciary standard, advisors either charge clients by the hour or as a percentage of their assets under management (AUM). A typical percentage fee is 1%, while a typical hourly fee for financial advice ranges from $120 to $300. Fees vary by location and the advisor’s experience. Some advisors may offer lower rates to help clients who are just getting started with financial planning and can’t afford a high monthly rate. Typically, a financial advisor will offer a free, initial consultation. This consultation provides a chance for both the client and the advisor to see if they’re a good fit for each other.
Combination of Fees and Commissions
Financial advisors can also earn a combination of fees and commissions. A fee-based financial advisor is not the same as a fee-only financial advisor.
A fee-based advisor may earn a fee for developing a financial plan for you, while also earning a commission for selling you a certain insurance product or investment.
A fee-only financial advisor earns no commissions.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed its own fiduciary rule called Regulation Best Interest in April 2018. In some ways, it was considered to be less strict than the DOL’s fiduciary rule, while also addressing some of the concerns of the critics of the DOL's fiduciary rule. At the same time, the SEC's rule was more all-encompassing because it would not be limited to retirement investments.
| How Different Types of Financial Advisors Get Paid | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee-Only | Fee-Based | Commission-Based | |
| Earns money when you buy specific investments | No | Yes | Yes |
| Earns money when you buy a specific insurance product | No | Yes | Yes |
| Earns money based on how well your investment portfolio performs | Yes | Sometimes | No |
| Has a conflict of interest | No | Yes | Yes |
Considering a Robo-Advisor
A digital financial advisor, also called a robo-advisor, is a tool that some companies provide for their customers. A robo-advisor uses computer algorithms to manage your money based on answers to questions about your goals and risk tolerance. Robo-advisors don’t require you to have much money to get started, and they cost less than human financial advisors. Examples include Betterment and Wealthfront. These services can save you time and potentially money too.
However, a robo-advisor can’t speak with you about the best way to get out of debt or fund your child’s education. It also can’t talk you out of selling your investments out of fear or help you build and manage a portfolio of individual stocks. Robo-advisors typically invest clients’ money in a portfolio of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds that provide stock and bond exposure and track a market index. It's also important to keep in mind that if you have a complex estate or tax issue, you will likely require the highly personalized advice that only a human can offer.
| Which Type of Financial Advisor Is Best for You? | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Advisor | Robo-advisor | Digital Advisor | |
| Services | Holistic financial advice, including budgeting, estate planning and investing | Investment advice only | Different levels of service based on your assets under management |
| Typical Fee | 1% | 0.24% to 0.50% | 0.89% |
| Best For | Anyone who wants to meet with their advisor in person; clients with complex circ*mstances; high net worth clients | Anyone who prefers a fully automated online experience with no consultations; clients with simple finances; low net worth clients | Anyone who wants a mostly automated digital experience, but the opportunity to speak with an advisor online or by phone |
What Does a Financial Advisor Do?
A financial advisor is not just someone who manages your investments. An advisor can help you figure out your savings, how to build for retirement, help with estate planning, and others. If however you only need to discuss portfolio allocations, they can do that too (usually for a fee).
How Much Do You Pay a Financial Advisor?
Financial advisors can be paid in a number of ways. Some will be commission-based and will make a percentage of the products they steer you into. These types of positions have been heavily criticized as the advisor may not have your best interests in mind if they are trying to make a commission. Most financial advisors work for a percentage fee based on the amount they are responsible for. Some, like hedge funds, will make a percentage of your profit as well.
Are Financial Advisors Free?
Financial advisors are almost never "free." Even though you may not be responsible for any upfront fees, a financial advisor can make a percentage of your principal, commissions on what products they sell you, and sometimes even a percentage of your profits. Very high net worth individuals may be offered "free" advisor services, but more often than not these advisors are tasked with subtly steering the individual into products or services that benefit the institution. This isn't to say the person using the advisor is losing anything, but the advisor, and who they work, for will always find a way to profit.
The Bottom Line
Not all financial advisors have the same level of training or will offer you the same depth of services. So when contracting with an advisor, do your own due diligence to make surethe advisor can meet your financial planning needs.
Check out their certifications as well, and be sureyou understand, agree with, and can afford theirfee structure. Also, investigate their regulatory history with your state regulatory agency, FINRA’s BrokerCheck, and the SEC’s Investment Advisor Public Disclosure database.
Finally, be aware that finding an advisor who is the right fit for your personality is key to developing a successful, long-term relationship.
As an expert and enthusiast, I don't have personal experiences or expertise, but I can provide you with information on the concepts mentioned in the article you shared. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts discussed:
Financial Advisor:
A financial advisor is a professional who helps individuals and organizations make informed decisions about their finances. They provide advice and guidance on various financial matters, including investments, savings, budgeting, insurance, tax planning, retirement planning, estate planning, and more. Financial advisors use their knowledge and expertise to create personalized financial plans that align with their clients' goals and objectives.
Services Provided by Financial Advisors:
Financial advisors offer a range of services to their clients, including:
- Investment advising: Financial advisors provide advice on investments that align with their clients' goals, risk tolerance, and investment style.
- Debt management: They help clients develop strategies to manage and pay off their debts.
- Budget assistance: Financial advisors provide tips and strategies to create budgets that help clients meet their short-term and long-term financial goals.
- College savings preparation: They assist clients in developing strategies to save for higher education expenses.
- Retirement planning: Financial advisors help clients create personalized retirement savings plans based on their specific needs and goals.
- Estate planning: They assist clients in creating plans to distribute their assets and fulfill their wishes after they pass away.
- Long-term healthcare and insurance assistance: Financial advisors provide guidance on long-term care options and help clients choose insurance policies that fit their needs and budget.
- Tax planning: They help clients optimize their tax strategies, maximize deductions, and plan for tax-efficient retirement.
Financial Health Questionnaire:
A financial advisor typically conducts a financial health questionnaire to gather information about a client's assets, liabilities, income, expenses, retirement needs, and long-term financial obligations. The questionnaire helps the advisor understand the client's current financial situation and future projections, enabling them to develop a comprehensive financial plan tailored to the client's goals.
Financial Plan:
Based on the information gathered from the financial health questionnaire, a financial advisor creates a comprehensive financial plan for the client. The plan summarizes the client's current financial situation, goals, and key findings from the initial assessment. It includes analysis and recommendations on various financial topics, such as risk tolerance, estate planning, family situation, long-term care risk, and retirement scenarios. The financial plan serves as a roadmap to help the client achieve their financial goals.
Regular Financial Monitoring:
Once the financial plan is in place, a financial advisor provides regular updates on the client's portfolio through statements. They also schedule regular meetings with the client to review progress, discuss goals, and address any questions or concerns. Financial advisors may use remote communication methods like phone or video chat to facilitate more frequent contact.
Choosing a Financial Advisor:
When selecting a financial advisor, consider the following:
- Interview multiple advisors and compare their services, style, and fees.
- Look for an advisor who focuses on educating clients and providing tools and resources for financial literacy.
- Seek an advisor who is knowledgeable and well-informed about various financial topics.
- Find an advisor who matches your style, beliefs, and risk tolerance.
- Consider the advisor's fee structure and ensure it aligns with your budget and needs.
Costs of a Financial Advisor:
Financial advisors can be compensated in different ways:
- Commission-based model: Advisors earn commissions by selling financial products to clients. This model may lead to potential conflicts of interest.
- Fee-based model: Advisors charge clients either by the hour or as a percentage of their assets under management (AUM). This model aims to align the advisor's interests with the client's goals.
- Combination of fees and commissions: Some advisors earn a combination of fees and commissions, charging fees for financial planning services while also earning commissions for selling specific products.
Robo-Advisors:
Robo-advisors are digital financial advisors that use computer algorithms to manage clients' investments based on their goals and risk tolerance. They offer automated investment services at a lower cost compared to human financial advisors. However, robo-advisors may not provide personalized advice on complex financial matters and may not be suitable for individuals with specific needs or preferences.
Please note that the information provided above is based on general knowledge and may not cover all aspects of each concept. It's always a good idea to consult with a qualified financial advisor for personalized advice tailored to your specific situation.
