What to Look for In a Financial Planner

Your Financial Planner Checklist

There are a number of things that are important to consider when you make the decision to work with a financial planner. You want to make sure that you find someone who is a right fit for you. Here is a short checklist that you can use when searching for a financial advisor:

1. Someone who has professional designations

Look for somebody who is committed to furthering their education. Professional designations not only show that someone is qualified, but it also shows that they are dedicated to keeping themselves sharp and up to speed.

Rob Gillrie has obtained the following designations:

Certified Financial Planner (CFP);
Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU);
Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).

2. Someone who has experience

You want to work with somebody who knows what they are doing. There is no better way to learn than to experience something first hand. Someone with time in the industry will be able to help you navigate the markets, and will have the knowledge and level-head to help you make rational decisions.

Rob Gillrie has been in the financial services industry since 1987, and has over 33 years of experience under his belt

3. Someone who is independent

It is advantageous to work with an advisor who has the ability to work with multiple companies. Brokers have contracts with multiple fund companies and insurance companies, and are able to provide you with products from all of these different avenues. Therefore, brokers are able to "shop around" and find the best product suited for you, and are not limited to a specific product shelf.

Rob Gillrie is a broker, providing independent financial advice.

4. Someone younger than you, or has a team in place

You ideally want to work with somebody who is younger than you. The reason for this is simple: if you are working with someone who is your age or older, by the time you are ready to retire, your financial advisor will likely be thinking of retiring, as well. If it is difficult to find a financial advisor who is younger than you that ALSO has sufficient experience and knowledge, look for somebody who has a younger TEAM working with them. By the time you are ready to retire, you will have easily transitioned into working with their team, and will not have to go through the process of shopping around for a new financial advisor.

Rob has a TEAM in place. Two members of his team are a generation younger and work full time with him: Alyssa Gillrie and Cassidy Gillrie. They are actively working towards obtaining all required professional designations. One or the other sit alongside Rob on each client meeting, allowing them to further their practical experience and working knowledge, and to further develop client relationships.

5. Someone you like and trust

It is extremely important to find an advisor with whom you have a good relationship. Of course you want to work with somebody who has great advice and sound knowledge; however, if you do not fundamentally get along with your advisor, it may be very difficult to maintain a positive relationship.

You want to work with a financial advisor that you trust and in whom you feel confident. This will make the planning process easier for both parties. If you have trust in your financial advisor, it will be easier to listen to what they have to say, and be assured that the recommendations being made are the right ones for you.

Learn More About Finding the Right Financial Advisor for You

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