| The first enquiry you should make relates to | | | | this information will influence your choice |
| education. Competence and quality with | | | | of financial advisor. It pays to know up |
| advisors comes in the form of a relevant | | | | front. |
| tertiary education, professional memberships | | | | |
| of financial advisory groups, and | | | | Another excellent gauge of success and |
| certificates or further qualifications that | | | | ability is testimonials, and in particular |
| show ongoing professional development. It is | | | | referrals. If the financial planner you are |
| also important to enquire about length of | | | | considering cannot provide referrals you |
| experience in the financial industry, and in | | | | should be sceptical about any claims about |
| particular how long the individual has been | | | | past success they may make. The opinions of |
| working as an advisor. This should be | | | | previous clients are excellent indicators of |
| considered the first step in your financial | | | | the ability of a financial planner. |
| advisor selection process. | | | | |
| | | | Finally, ask for a plan. Any financial |
| The second avenue of enquiry relates to | | | | advisor worth their fee will happily outline |
| payment for services. This question is | | | | the scope of their services, tell you what |
| important as financial planners can bill | | | | information you need to provide them, and |
| hourly, work for retainer and some work on a | | | | work with you across all relevant areas to |
| commission basis. Each of these payment | | | | develop a plan for you to reach your |
| channels attract differing fee levels, and | | | | financial goals. |