Jasmine Directory

A financial consultant is a professional specialized in money management. Financial consultants offer advice to businesses and individuals to help guide them in their financial decisions. Among the areas financial consultants focus on are debt management, retirement plans, and investment plans. Businesses can also hire financial advisers for assistance regarding their employees and financial goals.

Individuals tend to seek financial consultants when they need advice on mortgage rates, college funds, retirement plans, or investments. If you do need the assistance of a consultant, there are some things to keep in mind before you hire one. A bit of effort on your part will ensure you only work with the best.

You can check a financial consultant's certifications and qualifications. The most common are Certified Financial Planner and Personal Financial Specialist. Ask them what their certificate stands for and how they are prepared to help you with your financial questions. You can use registries with professional associations to find consultants in your area. The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors can help you find advisers who have received the required training and work under their moral guidelines.

Don't settle for the first financial consultant you visit. Consult with at least three or four professional advisers until you find one that is experienced, and who specializes in the area you need help with. For example, don't hire a consultant who specializes in debt consolidation when you need help with an investment plan.

Depending on the services they offer, financial consultants can work for commissions, fees, or a hybrid of the two. Consultants who work on a commission basis charge clients fees for their services or products that they sell. The fee is usually a percentage of the total price of the products they promote. Advisers who work for fees can charge clients on a quarterly or annual basis. They don't earn commissions from the products they sell. Lastly, there are consultants who work for commissions and fees.

When you are in need of a financial consultant, be sure to do your due diligence and find the best qualified professional to help you achieve your financial goals.