A Financial Planner or Wealth Adviser is an investment professional who assists individuals with their short and long-term financial objectives. Financial Planners and Wealth Advisers help maximize a person's net worth through tax planning, asset allocation, risk management, and retirement and/or estate planning.
How Do I Find a Qualified Financial Planner?
Relatives, friends, and work associates may be able to refer you to a good financial planner based on their personal experience. Other professionals, such as your lawyer or accountant, may be able to provide you with a referral.
Professional associations are also excellent resources, including:
The Financial Planning Association
1-800-282-PLAN / www.fpanet.org
The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.
1-800-487-1497 / www.cfp.net
The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
1-800-366-2732 / www.napfa.org
The Society of Financial Service Professionals
1-800-392-6900 / www.financialpro.org
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
1-888-777-7077 / www.aicpa.org
(Find a CPA who specialized in financial planning.)