How to Find a Financial Advisor: NAPFA Publishes Consumer Guide

NAPFA board member Lauren Locker added that consumers should interview several candidates to find an advisor whose skills and interests match their personal-finance goals.

Published as an online "flip book" full of weblinks to the Securities and Exchange Commission and other watchdog groups, The Pursuit of a Financial Advisor Field Guide encompasses seven sections, including:

• Preparation for the Pursuit – explores credentials, compensation, discipline, elements of financial planning, and differences in standards (fiduciary versus suitability)
• Knowing What To Ask – provides 26 questions and answers consumers need to keep in mind when talking with advisors
• Selecting Where to Look – examines the best sources available for finding advisors
• Evaluating Potential Advisors – discusses what must be covered in introductory meetings and conversations with potential advisors
• Engagement – uncovers the information and documentation that must be provided by the advisor at the time of engagement
• Evaluating Your Advisor – presents the criteria that consumers can use to evaluate their advisor's performance on several metrics
• Additional Tools and Resources – offers consumers several tools from credible organizations and agencies

The guide can also be downloaded and shared via email or printed.

"NAPFA is always looking for ways to help consumers understand the financial services industry. The more we can do to educate the consumer the more likely they will make better financial choices," according to John.

Read about NAPFA's reaction to the SEC's fiduciary study at AdvisorOne.com.