Consumer Resources

Benefits of Using a Planner

Set realistic financial and personal goals.
Assess your current financial health by examining your assets, liabilities, income, insurance, taxes, investments and estate plan.
Develop a realistic, comprehensive plan to meet your financial goals by addressing financial weaknesses and building on financial strengths.
Put your plan into action and monitor its progress.
Stay on track to meet changing goals, personal circumstances, stages of your life, products, markets and tax laws.

Choosing a Planner

Choosing a financial planner is as important as choosing a doctor or lawyer; it's a very personal relationship. In addition to competency, a financial planner should have integrity, trust and a commitment to ethical behavior and high professional standards. You want a planner who puts your needs and interests first.

Many planners specialize in working with certain types of clients, such as small-business owners, executives or retirees. Many have minimum income and asset requirements. Some specialize in certain areas of planning such as retirement, divorce or asset management. This is why we recommend that you interview at least three planners in person to find the right one to serve your needs.

How Planners Charge

Financial planners can be paid in a variety of ways, and each has its merits. Choosing the appropriate method depends on your individual situation. FPA advocates for the highest standards for competent and ethical planners, regardless of compensation or business model. However, before entering into a relationship with a planner, you should have a clear understanding of how he or she will be compensated.

Fee-only

All of the financial planner's compensation from his or her client work comes exclusively from the clients in the form of fixed, flat, hourly, percentage or performance-based fees.

Commission-only

There is no charge for the planner's advice or preparation of a financial plan. Compensation is received solely from the sale of financial products you agree to purchase in order to implement financial planning recommendations.

Combination Fee/Commission

A fee is charged for consultation, advice and financial plan preparation on an hourly, project or percentage basis. In addition, the planner may receive commissions from the sale of recommended products used to implement your plan.

Salary

Some planners work on a salary and bonus basis for financial services firms.

Please Note: In all of the above categories of compensation, you should request information on any real or potential conflicts of interest. In addition to commissions received from any financial product sales, you should ask whether there are outside incentives or bonuses to be gained by the planner for certain recommendations.

What to Bring to a Meeting with a Planner

There are a number of documents you'll need once you engage a financial planner; a comprehensive list may be customized by your planner for your specific needs. Be prepared to answer questions regarding your age, current income, hobbies, goals, philosophy on money, groups you belong to, etc.

Recommended Documents

Bank Statements
Pay Stubs
Check Registers
Credit Card Balances
Mortgage or Loan Payment Books
List of Assets
List of Liabilities
Completed Expense Worksheet
Wills, Trusts, Healthcare Powers of Attorney, Health Care Proxy or Other Powers of Attorney
Business Agreements
Titles for Homes, Cars, Real Estate, etc.
Retirement Account Statements
Social Security Statements
Pension Benefit Statement and Booklet
Investment Statements
Listing of Available Investment Options in Investment and Retirement Accounts
Stock Options
Homeowner and Automobile Declaration Pages
Life, Disability or Long-term Care Insurance Polices
Business Liability, Director and Officer Insurance Policies
Tax Return
Tax Estimate for Next Return (e.g., Deductions, Credits, etc.)
List of Employee Benefits

For additional resources, please visit us online at www.FPAnet.org.

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