With many financial and trading apps out there, you might think that having a Financial Advisor is becoming an archaic concept. On the contrary: The proliferation of these apps and tools has made more people aware of the power of investing and planning than ever before. Once a new investor learns some aspects of the markets and investments, it typically becomes very clear that it will take expert guidance to really help them maximize the return on their investments and diversify their portfolio. Financial Advisors may attain as many as 100 certifications available, and all of that learning, training, and experience can be a great asset to any investor.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FINANCIAL PLANNER AND A FINANCIAL ADVISOR?
Per Investopedia: “A financial planner is a professional who helps individuals and organizations create a strategy to meet long-term financial goals. Financial Advisor is a broader term for those who help manage your money, including investments and other accounts. Given the proliferation of the financial industry, many planners and advisors may actually do the same thing—therefore, do your homework before hiring somebody to guide you.”
One of the places you can do some research to make sure that your Financial Advisor is licensed is via Brokercheck, a service of FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. FINRA warns that almost anyone can claim to be a Financial Planner, but a Financial Advisor is licensed and regulated, so please do your research before selecting the person who is going to handle your money.
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