| It is a very hard step to choose a financial planner who | | | | professionals must renew their right to use the Mark. |
| can help provide you sound financial advice without | | | | Look for someone who can manage your confidential |
| just trying to sell you all sort of financial products. | | | | information |
| Check their credentials | | | | You would be sharing a lot of confidential information |
| A financial planner should be compliant with the RG146 | | | | with your financial planner. There is a need to establish |
| / PS146 ASIC regulatory guide. They should at least | | | | a trust relationship. Once your financial planner listens |
| have a diploma of financial planning and have a | | | | to what your base requirements and current status in |
| speciality in Superannuation, Investments etc. depending | | | | your financial status is, he or she will provide a |
| on your needs. | | | | Statement of Advice which gives you a |
| Choose a financial planner who belongs to a member | | | | recommended strategy for achieving your target. |
| of either the FPA or the AFA | | | | For your first appointment |
| The FPA and AFA are the organizational bodies | | | | There's no need for you to go into too much detail for |
| which manages the code of ethics and rules of | | | | the first meeting you're your financial planner. However, |
| professional conduct, over and above what is required | | | | what you want to be prepared for is to provide him or |
| by law for a financial planner in Australia. Financial | | | | her with all relevant information about your income, |
| planners who belong to these organizations must also | | | | debts, what you own, and your future financial |
| undertake continuing professional development. | | | | expectations. You should also ask questions about the |
| Refer to the FPA or AFA site to look for a certified | | | | financial planner's qualifications, experience, area of |
| financial planner. | | | | specialisation and what they expect to be able to do |
| This service helps you identify financial planners in your | | | | for you. Charges are also a key differentiating factor. |
| local area. | | | | There are certain financial products which allow the |
| Ask an associate for a referral | | | | planner to receive an ongoing commission even after |
| People who have good experiences with a financial | | | | they sell the product to you. Therefore, this has to be |
| planner would not have any issues referring that | | | | made clear upfront. |
| financial planner on to you. | | | | Read, read and read up! |
| Talk to a CFP professional | | | | Search on the internet and understand all perspectives |
| CFP certification is the global symbol of achievement in | | | | from blogs before committing to a financial planner. Try |
| financial planning. The CFP Mark is awarded to | | | | not to be pushed up against the wall. Some financial |
| individuals who have gone beyond the competency, | | | | planners tell you that you need to act before it's too |
| ethics and professional practice standards required of | | | | late! Well, it's never too late so take your time. |
| other FPA practitioner members. Each year CFP | | | | |