Investment Advisors (IAs) come in all different intellectual, professional, and alphabetical varieties. They range in educational qualifications from High School dropout to PhD, and can be professional Accountants, Insurance Salesmen, Stock Brokers, Investment Managers, Dentists, Lawyers, TV personalities, and Gourmet Chefs. Anyone can be an Investment Advisor! It seems reasonable that your trust should gravitate toward those who have educational credentials, hands on experience with their own money, and no direct financial benefit from the advice provided. Stay safer by finding a fee only advisor who has just one profession and the ability to say NO.
Why do people become Investment Advisors? Call me skeptical, but I dont think its the ethereal glow they feel after implementing your new Financial Plan. Actually (once you appreciate that IAs are the primary delivery system for Wall Streets huge collection of one-size-fits-all products), youll realize that its the money. No conspiracy here, just a subtle brainwashing that has convinced you that the Advisors primary objective is to protect your family. In reality, the primary goal of commissioned advisors is to protect...