Find a financial planner you can work with

No matter where professionals may be in their careers, retirees may note that retirement will arrive more quickly than expected. That notion applies as much to young professionals just starting their careers as it does to seasoned workers for whom retirement is just over the horizon.

That retirement can quickly creep up underscores the significance of planning for those days when workers will no longer be drawing a paycheck. Going it alone when planning for retirement can be a risky endeavor, not to mention an unnecessary one. Financial planners can help anyone get on the road to retirement. Professionals can keep these three tips in mind as they look for a financial planner to help meet their retirement goals.

1. Recognize why you need a planner.

Financial planning firms provide a range of services, and people should identify what they’re hoping a planner can do for them prior to their search. Some may be looking for advice to get out of debt so they can focus more on retirement, while others may not have any debt and instead want investment advice so they can begin to grow their wealth. Each person is unique, so individuals must identify what makes them unique and then seek a planner whose experience and specialty aligns with their needs.

2. Prepare for the process.

Hiring a financial planner should be seen as a series of job interviews in which the prospective client is the interviewer and the planner is the person trying to land a job. When seeking a financial planner, prepare a list of questions covering everything from compensation structure to the advisor’s personal approach to planning for their existing client profile. Answers to these questions and others can give investors a detailed picture of a financial professional. The more information investors gather about a financial planner, the more likely they are to find one they will be comfortable working with.

3. Inquire about fiduciary status.

According to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, a fiduciary is an investment advisor who is obligated to choose investment products that are in the best interest of the client regardless of the impact on the fiduciary or his or her firm. That can provide investors some added peace of mind when hiring individuals who will be handling their money.

However, it’s still important that individuals who hire a fiduciary pay attention to their investments. Fiduciaries are not immune to unethical conduct, and some may still make mistakes when choosing investments.

It’s important that investors acknowledge that even the most wellmeaning fiduciary can choose investments that don’t work out. There’s always risk involved with investing, but working with a fiduciary can help investors feel better about taking on such risk.

Financial planners can be invaluable as individuals seek ways to secure their financial futures. Prospective investors should be patient and diligent as they begin the process of finding a financial planner they can work with.