I don't know if my current advisor is right
– Mary, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, PHD, Client since 2011
Disclosure: This testimonial was given by a current client. No cash or non-cash compensation was provided for the testimonial. We are not aware of any material conflicts of interest on the part of clients giving a testimonial resulting from their relationship with EVOadvisers.
Are you starting to feel deep in your gut that your current advisor isn’t really doing all that you need?
Not all advisors are created equal.
Imagine if over 60 percent of people didn’t trust their family doctor or accountant. That’s how it is in the financial planning world.
“Just 35 percent of retail investors polled by the CFA Institute last year said they thought their advisors placed clients’ interests before their own.”
— Financial Planning Magazine
So what’s the difference? There are several types of financial planners. Now is the time to evaluate what you need versus what your broker provides, and beyond that trust your instincts.
“People ask tougher questions of their cable providers than they do of their financial advisors. It’s crazy.”
— Geof Brown, CEO of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors “on” our podcast
Ask the right questions.
1. Financial planners provide a range of services so it’s vital to match your needs with the services provided. Do you offer advice on?
- Goal setting? EVOadvisers: Yes
- Estate planning? EVOadvisers: Yes
- Cash management & bvudgeting? EVOadvisers: Yes
- Insurance needs? EVOadvisers: Yes
- Tax planning? EVOadvisers: Yes
- Education funding investment review & planning? EVOadvisers: Yes
- Retirement planning? EVOadvisers: Yes
- Other: __________________________________________
2. Do you provide an analysis of my unique financial situation and offer specific recommendations?
- EVOadvisers: Yes
3. Do you offer assistance implementing the plan?
- EVOadvisers: Yes
4. Do you offer continuous, ongoing advice about my financial affairs, including advice on non-investment related financial issues?
- EVOadvisers: Yes
5. How long have you been offering financial planning services?
- EVOadvisers: Since 2006
6. How is your firm compensated and how is compensation calculated?
- EVOadvisers: We are flat Fee-Only
Financial planning costs include what a client pays in fees and commissions. Comparison between advisors requires full information about potential total costs.
Fee-Only (as calculated below):
or
Rate of $______/hour
or
Flat fee (Range and Explanation)________________
or
Percentage_______% to_______% of____________ (AUM, Net worth, etc.)
OR Commissions only;
From securities, insurance, and/or other products that clients buy from a firm.
OR Commission and Fee:
Fee offset (charging a flat fee against which commissions are offset). If the commissions exceed the fee, is the balance credited?
7. Are there financial incentives for you to recommend certain financial products?
- EVOadvisers: No, we do not accept commissions
8. Have you ever been cited by a professional or regulatory governing body for disciplinary reasons?
- EVOadvisers: No
9. Will you sign a Fiduciary Oath?
- EVOadvisers: Yes, happily
Fiduciary Oath:
The advisor shall exercise his/her best efforts to act in good faith and in the best interests of the client. The advisor shall provide written disclosure to the client prior to the engagement of the advisor, and thereafter throughout the term of the engagement, of any conflicts of interest, which will or reasonably may compromise the impartiality or independence of the advisor.
The advisor, or any party in which the advisor has a financial interest, does not receive any compensation or other remuneration that is contingent on any client’s purchase or sale of a financial product. The advisor does not receive a fee or other compensation from another party based on the referral of a client or the client’s business.
Following the NAPFA Fiduciary Oath means I shall:
- Always act in good faith and with candor
- Be proactive in disclosing any conflicts of interest that may impact a client
- Not accept any referral fees or compensation contingent upon the purchase or sale of a financial product
Signature: _______________________________________________________________
Breaking up is hard to do.
We know splitting up with your current advisor feels messy and complicated, but you don’t have to go it alone. Even if you don’t end up working with EVOadvisers, we’ll help you figure out the advisor that’s best for you. An educated client makes a successful client! If you do choose us, we’ll walk you through a smooth transition, taking the stress and worry away.
How can we help you?
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