Broker, Advisor, Planner, Robo Advisors: Who does what?

Transcription

1 Broker, Advisor, Planner, Robo Advisors: Who does what? Presented by: Karen C. Altfest, Ph.D., CFP Altfest Personal Wealth Management September 26, 2015

2 The Challenge of Finding the Right Advisor Approximately 305,000 financial advisors in the U.S. at the end of 2014 (Cerulli Associates Inc.) Anyone can call themself a financial advisor (no educational requirements needed) To have a CFP there are requirements. 2

3 Today s Agenda Steps to avoiding a poor advisor / finding a good one How to determine which is which How to determine when you have a need Questions Yes, you can ask them! 3

4 Step 1: Understand Fiduciary Standards vs. Suitability Standards Fiduciary: Must act solely in the client s best interest at all times Suitability: Recommendations need to be suitable, nothing more Advisors under the fiduciary standard are required by federal law to act in the best interests of their client 4

5 Fiduciary Standard: Registered Investment Advisors (RIA s) NAFPA Advisors Certified Financial Planner Professionals* Suitability Standard: Broker-Dealers, Registered Representatives Insurance Agents 5

6 Step 2: Understand Compensation Models How advisors get paid Commission Only Fee-Only Fee-Based (fees and commissions) 6

7 Step 3: Evaluate the advisor s background and experience Don t choose an advisor solely on what others say A good reputation is a starting point not an end point 7

8 Understand the advisor s level of experience and the areas where you need help o What aspects of personal finance is he / she experienced in? 1. Cash flow 2. Risk Management 3. Investment Planning 4. Tax Planning 5. Retirement Planning Retirement Planning Estate Planning Tax Planning Cash Management Investment Planning Risk Management 6. Estate Planning 8

9 Understand the qualifications the advisor has: o Designations: (CFP, CPA/PFS, CFA, ChFC ) o Licenses: Series 7, Series 63, Series 65 o Academic Credentials: MBA, Ph.D. o How does Robo advisor compare? 9

10 Contact the designation awarding entities to: o Confirm the advisor holds the designation o Confirm the advisor is in good standing o Inquire about any past disciplinary actions o Ronald Reagan: Trust but verify " 10

11 Contact the regulatory authorities for any complaints: o SEC (for RIAs managing more than $100 million) o State Securities Regulator (RIAs < $100 million) o FINRA (for registered representatives, Broker / Dealers) o State Insurance Commissioners (Insurance Agents) 11

12 Step 4: Know where your assets will be held Independent Custodian Why it is important to you o (third-party statements, financial advisor has limited control over funds) What can happen if it doesn t exist 12

13 Step 5: Ask for and read carefully the written materials Form ADV Part 1 and 2 (for RIA s) Documents provided by registered representatives / insurance agents (including client agreements) No documentation offered? Request it. 13

14 Step 6: Ask questions then listen carefully. Transparency vs. Opaqueness If you do not understand something, say something. Caring advisors like questions. 14

15 Types of Questions to Ask Financial Advisors at Introductory Meeting: o What types of clients do you work with (industry, age, etc.) o In which areas of personal finance can you help me? o What is your firm s investment philosophy and process? o How is your firm compensated and how is your compensation calculated? o Who will be doing your work? 15

16 Step 7: Think about your impression of the advisor. Was he / she open, patient, transparent, clear? Was he / she defensive, evasive, opaque, aggressive? Are you able to understand what they are saying? Is this someone you could feel comfortable working with? 16

17 Does your advisor have these seven characteristics? 1. The fiduciary standard 2. A fee-only compensation method 3. Appropriate designations and experience 4. A clean regulatory record 5. An independent custodian 6. Full disclosure / transparency 7. Someone you feel comfortable working with, right fit 17

18 Watch out for these seven red flags! 1. Lack of a fiduciary standard 2. Commissions / fees and commissions (fee-based) 3. Lack of or questionable designations / experience 4. Regulatory complaints, sanctions, penalties 5. No independent custodian 6. Evasiveness / opaqueness/ secretiveness 7. Someone whom you do not feel that comfortable with ( Can t put my finger on it but ) or where you re afraid to voice your opinion 18

19 Karen Altfest, Ph.D., CFP Executive Vice President Karen helps the firm s clients on a variety of investment and financial planning issues. She speaks about women and money, and conducts educational seminars for recent widows and people looking to retire. Karen was recently recognized by InvestmentNews for leading one of the fastestgrowing and best managed RIA firms in the industry. PH: EM: KAltfest@altfest.com 445 Park Avenue Fl. 6 New York, NY Karen received her Ph.D. in History from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. She holds a Masters Degree from Hunter College and is a graduate of McGill University. She served as former Treasurer and is a current Board Member of Temple Shaaray Tefila and is a member of the Presidents Council of the Financial Planning Association. Karen is co-chair of the Alumni Professional Development Committee of the Graduate Center of CUNY, serves on the CUNY Graduate Center Foundation Board, serves as Vice President on McGill s Alumni Board of New York, and is the founder and former chair of the New York Common Pantry, which honored her with the Founders Award. She is President of her Co-op Board.

20 Altfest Personal Wealth Management 445 Park Avenue, 6 th Floor New York, NY