Four signs it’s time for a second opinion now

Posted by Heidi Clute - January 17, 2018

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How to know you need to talk with a different financial advisor

You leave your financial advisor’s office with a nagging doubt. They’re the one with the credentials, of course. But something’s not right. Should you get a second financial opinion?

Yes, say those who have done so, and don’t think twice. A fresh perspective can make all the difference for your financial health and confidence. Here are a few good reasons to schedule an appointment with a different advisor.

1. There’s been no mention of recommendations to support your goals.

Has your advisor asked you recently about your life goals, your values, your health or your family? When you anticipate needing money for retirement, college, or a career move? Your circumstances may change over time, and your financial strategies need to be updated to reflect your changing needs.

Even before your advisor gives you specific recommendations, they should be able to tell you a general direction based on their understanding of your unique situation — or at least a range of possible approaches to consider in your financial plan.

2. You’re hearing about only one possible option.

How is your financial advisor compensated? If you’re hearing about only one possible option, it raises questions about whether the advice you receive is based solely on your best interest, is it driven by commissions, or is there no way for you to tell? You want your advisor to present multiple alternatives to you, along with their pros and cons. They should be able to explain the actions, products or investments they are recommending in detail, as well as the rationale for why it is right for you.

Whether or not your advisor is a Investment Advisor Representative held to the fiduciary standard,  you want to understand your advisor’s compensation structure for each recommended option.

3. You are not hearing back in a timely manner.

Your money and your financial independence are important to you. A week is too long when markets are in turmoil and you are feeling insecure. If your financial advisor takes too long to get back to you, it’s time to look elsewhere.

4. You just don’t trust your advisor.

Sensibly, you may remind yourself that when you checked your investment advisor’s record on FINRA’s BrokerCheck®, there were no disclosures listed. (As BrokerCheck explains: “All individuals registered to sell securities or provide investment advice are required to disclose customer complaints and arbitrations, regulatory actions, employment terminations, bankruptcy filings, and criminal or civil judicial proceedings.”)

But if you still feel uncomfortable, remind yourself that financial decisions are too important to succumb to procrastination when you are uneasy about your advisor.

If you don’t think they are listening to you or taking you seriously, or if you have any doubts about their motivations or conflicts of interest, find a different advisor. After all, it’s your money and your future. It never hurts to get a second opinion.

Check out our Financial Toolkits

Resources

Financial Planning Association

http://www.plannersearch.org/

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.

http://www.cfp.net/search/

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority BrokerCheck®

https://brokercheck.finra.org/

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Heidi Clute, CFP® is co-owner of Clute Wealth Management in Plattsburgh, NY, and South Burlington, VT, an independent firm that provides strategic financial and investment planning for individuals and small businesses in the Champlain Valley region of New York and Vermont. For a list of states in which we are registered to do business, please visit www.clutewealthmanagement.com.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.

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2/6/20 Reviewed; 1-23-18 #1-690665