Meet with planners and if they talk about products before the process, be
wary. The planner should do an analysis that includes reviewing your risk
tolerance and plans.

By the way, on the 14% how did your friend earn it? Find out what kind of
risk was taken to get that return. It's a good way to see how sustainable
that return is.


"Ben Cole" <bencole[at]comcast.net> wrote in message
news:BB97B522.5DDA%bencole[at]comcast.net...
- quote -

Ben Cole bencole[at]comcast.net , you asked:

<< <i> I'm wondering how to sift the reality from the hype when comparing
Financial Planners. I have friends who claim their planner is getting them 14%
per year for the past two years. My first thought is that it's too good to be
true; but then I realize that I don't have any reason to know "for sure" that
the claims aren't on the up-and-up.</i> >
Be very careful about confusing Financial Planners with Investment Advisors or
Investment Portfolio Managers. A Financial Planner may indeed be an expert
Investment Advisor or be an expert of some other profession. Financial
Planners who actually do "financial planning" tend to be generalists and not
necessarily an expert in any of the financial concerns. They do the planning
and work as a team with the other experts as needed. So, you just need to be
aware of the differences.

<< <i> How to shop for an advisor, or compare them?</i> >
You do it the same way you would "shop for" ANY professional services (e.g.
doctor, lawyer).

I'm wondering how to sift the reality from the hype when comparing Financial
Planners. I have friends who claim their planner is getting them 14% per
year for the past two years. My first thought is that it's too good to be
true; but then I realize that I don't have any reason to know "for sure"
that the claims aren't on the up-and-up.

How to shop for an advisor, or compare them?

Any suggestions welcome.