With a steadily
increasing number of investment choices in the
market, it's easy to become overwhelmed. Without a
plan in place, or the guidance and discipline to
reach financial goals, it's easy to be tempted by the
latest hot market fad. But this can result in
investment portfolios not being aligned with
financial goals. Investors may take on more risk and
volatility than they want, and may experience poorer
performance.
How can you
protect your finances and meet your financial goals?
The answer is simple: work with a professional
financial adviser.
Ted Twohey, a
Bowmanville, Ontario-based CIBC Imperial Service
financial adviser, shares his advice about working
with an adviser. "A professional adviser has the
qualifications, the expertise and the necessary tools
to help investors focus on the long term," says
Twohey, "which is key to achieving your
goals."
A good financial
adviser will help you build a plan that takes into
consideration your current priorities at the same
time as it builds for your future financial needs. An
adviser should meet with you regularly to monitor
progress and make necessary adjustments.
Your adviser
should be committed to:
Meeting
with you personally to discuss your approach
to handling your finances and helping you
meet your long-term goals;
Answering
any questions you may have about his or her
professional qualifications, experience and
compensation;
Scheduling
regular sessions with you to review your
plan;
Keeping
you up-to-date on any changes to your
investment portfolio; and
Informing
you of any new investment opportunities that
might be appropriate in your circumstances.
As with any
relationship, it takes two-way communication to make
it work. Your responsibility is to share your goals,
risk tolerance, and all the information your adviser
needs to manage your total financial picture. Be sure
to keep your adviser informed of any changes.
Working together
for the long term with your financial adviser is one
of the most effective ways to meet your needs today
while building for the future you want.
This article is
intended to provide general information and should
not be construed as specific advice. This article is
not applicable in Quebec.
- News Canada
Top 10 questions
to ask your adviser
(NC)—Financial
Planners Standards Council (FPSC) recommends asking
these 10 questions when selecting a financial
adviser:
What are
your qualifications?
What
experience do you have?
What
services do you offer?
What is
your approach to financial planning?
Will you
be the only person working with me?
How will I
pay for your services?
How much
do you typically charge?
Could
anyone besides me benefit from your
recommendations?
Are you
regulated by any organization?
Can I have
it in writing?
- News Canada
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