Guide to Choosing a Financial Advisor

A degree in finance, economics, or accounting. Maybe even and MBA, preferably from a good school. Associated with a big, successful firm. These are the things that first come to mind when you think about hiring a financial manager. But Jeff Breault may have a different take on things. First here are a few fast facts about financial advisors:

1. Unlike 'doctor' or 'engineer,' there is no restriction on the use of the term 'financial advisor' or 'financial analyst.' If you have your cousin, Bob, a tip about how to save on toilet paper by buying in bulk at Costco, then congratulations! You too can call yourself a 'financial advisor.'

2. Unlike lawyers who are legally bound to protect your interests as a client or a doctor who takes the Hippocratic Oath (to do no harm), financial advisors are not required by any governing body to put your best interests first.

3. There is such a thing called a 'fiduciary financial advisor.' This basically means that the fiduciary is required to look after your best interests.

4. Financial advisors are not required to declare whether or not they are fiduciaries.

5. All investment advisors registered with the SEC are fiduciaries.

The reason I gave you this list of facts is to emphasize my next point, which is that the most important thing to look for in a financial advisor is that you can have a good relationship with him or her.

Treat your first meeting with a financial advisor like an interview. Remember, you are the client. You should control the conversation. Look for signs of integrity and honesty. Watch out for how your financial advisor treats his or her secretary or other people in the office. Don't be embarrassed to ask 'dumb' questions, and see how they respond.

Remember, Warren Buffet says that the best investor isn't necessarily the one with the highest IQ.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How To Create a College Fund for Your Child

Hello, Jeff Breault here. I am a financial advisor who has been helping clients fund their children’s schooling, save money, and build their own “empires” that they can pass on to their heirs when the time comes. One of the things my clients talk about is how difficult it is to put their children through college. Experts estimate that the cost of college education 18 years from now would be upwards of $100,000 for a public school and double that for a private school. A hefty sum for education, right? Thankfully, you’re working with Jeff Breault. Here’s how I help my clients plan for their children’s education: Have a Plan A lot of things go into planning for your child’s college years. The total amount varies from state to state, but remember that your child might be eligible for scholarships, grants, private student loans, and financial assistance when the time comes. You can use this free tool to gauge how much your child’s education may be in a few years. Start Right
Read more

Listening with Jeff Breault: The Rising Stars of Country Music

As a listener of country music, Jeff Breault likes to stay on top of the new players in the genre. The country music community is one of the most prolific styles in the music industry. One of its most defining characteristics is how fanatically dedicated its following is. Rising country artists are always a big deal, as these musicians aim to join the ranks of legends both past and present. And Jeff wants to highlight some of them. Craig Morgan One of the artists to catch the attention of Jeff Breault is Craig Morgan. With his beard streaked in white, he was a former US Army veteran who began exploring music while on duty. His weathered country voice and poignant lyrics have touched even the most prominent names of the music industry. Country legend Blake Shelton and pop star Kelly Clarkson see him as the next hope of country music. It’s an opinion shared by other greats, especially after his heart-rending new song about his son, Jerry. The Highwomen Women comprise 16% of the count
Read more

Merle Haggard: The Greatest of the Giants in Country Music

Howdy, folks. Jeff Breault here, talking about one of the giants of country music. When it comes to naming the ultimate artist throughout country music, it seems that both Billboard and Rolling Stone agree on one major name that virtually everyone who has ever loved country music will know: the late great Merle Haggard. His Origins Merle Haggard was born in California in 1937. California may not be the particular hotbed of country music that young people may imagine it to be compared to today’s country stars (whose origins usually spring forth from the Southern states), but Merle’s songwriting sprung from the Depression-era. His aspirations towards country music were inspired by the late Johnny Cash. Merle had been in and out of jail at the time. He had seen the country legend perform in prison, and was inspired to start anew once he turned 21. H is Beginning I, Jeff Breault , am especially impressed with how he began his career. Now, he may have begun singing and playi
Read more