Welcome to Sussex County! Janet K. Redman, Vice President, Lokken Investment Group took a minute to let us know that...
New inhabitants usually have a pressing To Do list made up of items similar to the following:
- Go to the DMV and get a Delaware license
- Find a new hair stylist
- Find a new primary care doctor, dentist, and ophthalmologist
- Get a new library card
- Subscribe to the local paper
So have you moved and left your Financial Advisor behind?
Often, new residents leave their Financial Advisor miles behind as well. It may take 2, 3, or even 5 years before the lack of proximity to that Financial Advisor leads to a fraying connection. With family, professional and health concerns often uppermost in mind, it is beneficial to have someone you can rely on for guidance and caution during these critical years that will help monitor your savings.
When searching for a new advisor, act as if you are vetting a new employee.
After all, the advisor works for you, not the other way around. It is often helpful to get a referral to an advisor from a wise friend, relative or colleague. That way, the advisor is coming from a trusted source.
You can also find an advisor by visiting the National Association of Personal Finance Advisors (NAPFA) website.
It can be a daunting task to decide who might be the best person to help you manage your money. At the Lokken Investment Group, LLC we suggest asking a potential advisor the following questions to help ensure there is a good fit.
- What makes you different from other Financial Advisors?
- What is your investment philosophy?
- How are you paid? Can you explain the difference between fee-based and commission-based compensation?
- Do you offer comprehensive financial guidance and planning as well as investment advice?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks between independent, locally owned firms and national brokerage houses?
- Do you have any client complaints or legal actions against you?
- How many clients do you have and what kind of service can I expect?
- Will you provide me with a list of client references before I commit to becoming a client?
All investors should become familiar with www.brokercheck.finra.org. This website contains the details on every registered Financial Advisor nationwide, with information on their employment history, designations received, and any disciplinary actions or client complaints filed against the advisor, with their resolution. The site can be searched by the name, location, or 7-digit Central Registration Depository (CRD) number that each advisor is assigned.
Choosing a new advisor should not be done lightly. Just as you wouldnt take medical advice from a stranger or grant power of attorney to someone dubious. You want to establish trust and the feeling of a good fit with whoever you select to help manage your money.
For more information, contact Janet K. Redman, Vice President, Lokken Investment Group, located at 1413 Savannah Road, Suite 4 in Lewes, email jlokken@lokkeninvest.com by phone (302) 645-6650 or online at www.lokkeninvest.com.
Disclaimer: Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC. Lokken Investment Group, LLC is a separate entity from WFAFN.