Here are some red flags in financial advisosr:
They don't put your interests first. A good financial advisor should always put your interests first, not their own or their firm's. This means they should recommend products and services that are right for you, even if they don't earn them as much money. If your advisor is pushing you to buy certain products or services that you don't need or don't understand, it's a red flag.
They're not transparent about fees and costs. A good financial advisor should be upfront about their fees and costs. They should explain how they get paid and how much their services will cost you. If your advisor is evasive about their fees or costs, it's a sign that they may not be trustworthy.
They don't communicate well. A good financial advisor should be able to communicate complex financial concepts in a clear and concise way. They should also be responsive to your questions and concerns. If your advisor has difficulty explaining things to you or doesn't seem to have time for you, it's a sign that they may not be the right person for the job.
They don't have a fiduciary duty to you. A fiduciary is someone who is legally obligated to act in your best interests. Not all financial advisors are fiduciaries. If your advisor is not a fiduciary, they may not be legally obligated to put your interests first. It's important to choose a financial advisor who is a fiduciary.
They make unrealistic promises they can't keep. A good financial advisor should never guarantee investment returns. The market is unpredictable, and no one can predict the future. If your advisor is promising you guaranteed returns, it's a red flag.
Here are some additional signs that your financial advisor may not be the right fit:
They don't take the time to understand your financial situation and goals.
They don't develop a personalized financial plan for you.
They don't regularly review your financial plan and make necessary adjustments.
They don't explain the risks of different investments.
They pressure you to make investment decisions without giving you enough time to think about them.
They invest your money in products and services that are not appropriate for your risk tolerance or financial goals.
They have a history of disciplinary problems or complaints.
They promise unrealistic returns and downplay risk
They don't inform you of changes
They encourage you to put all your money in one place
They misrepresent their abilities and credentials
They only seem interested in you or your spouse
You are pressured to “act fast”
There’s a lot of activity, but you’re not seeing higher returns
They don’t listen to your objectives and goals
They want you to provide direct access to your money
They want checks directedly made out to them
If you're experiencing any of these signs, it's important to consider finding a new financial advisor. There are many qualified and trustworthy advisors out there. You deserve to work with someone who will put your interests first and help you achieve your financial goals. If you're terrible financial advisor has caused you financial harm, contract our firm to discuss your legal options for recovery.