Any recommendations for a financial advisor?

[Descartes]

I'm in need of financial advice that exceeds my current knowledge base, and I know there are quite a number of financial pundits that post here.

I'm not in need of your basic retirement plan; rather, I need a plan for diversification, and I have money I need to put to work. Many of the advisors I've met seem to be pushing their products more than anything else, so an unbiased recommendation would be great. Edward Jones? Chase? Who?

Thanks!

 

[FlyLice]

Don't waste your money on an FA. Just buy SPY for diversification. Every FA will push for their product because the commissions are higher on those. I almost became an American Express Financial Advisor, and I'm telling you most of your money will be flushed down the drain in fees. Seriously go to the library and read a book on it.

 

[Doggiedog]

If you do settle on one, do a look-up on them. If they have any black marks on their record, it will show up here.

Text

 

[Al Neri]

open a brokerage account
put 1/3 in SPY
1/3 in QQQQ
1/3 in DIA

sit and grin, the money will roll right in!


if u want look into high yielding investments - reinvestment.

 

[ttown]

You can also go HERE to learn about "Financial Planners".

One thing to keep in mind, pretty much anyone can call themselves a "financial planner" -- so if you talk to one, ask what qualifies them to plan your finances.
In general, a financial planner takes a big-picture approach. Financial advisors generally sell stuff they're told to sell.
I don't mean to say a financial advisor is bad... just keep in mind they are often biased. I've learned lots from seminars/talks held by financial advisors.
If you go with a financial planner, ask if they are affiliated with any of the investments/companies they recommend and if they get paid to push whatever they're pushing.

I talked to a planner once, reviewed my big-picture, got his comments, thanked him and left. Mostly he just confirmed my choices and gave me a couple things to think about -- but I'm the type that is very interested in learning everything I can about investing/planning.
For the not-so-interested, I'd recommend talking to a financial planner to get a good picture of your financial life. Just consolidating and picturing your income/budget/investments/future-plans is really helpfull.

If your life isn't too complicated, reading a book would probably suffice. I'd recommend the book "Understanding Personal Finance" published by the wall street journal.

hth

 

[SpazzyChicken]

[homer]

Financial Panther eh.......????? GET HIM SHEEBA!!!!!

[/homer]

 

[Al Neri]

Originally posted by: SpazzyChicken
[homer]

Financial Panther eh.......????? GET HIM SHEEBA!!!!!

[/homer]

pure comic genius!

 

[Descartes]

Thanks for the advice all!

I have read a few books, and I generally read quite a lot. I only say that so it's not thought that I'm trying to take the lazy way out. I'm somewhat of an obsessive person, and once I get interested in something I tend to focus too much on it. I have a lot of things going on right now, so I was willing to entertain the idea of consulting someone else. I tend to get into analysis paralysis, if you know what I mean; I was hoping to possibly spare myself the temporary torment

Anyway, I think I'll just dive in using the references you all have provided. I can continue my current investments, as primitive as they might be, and fight my way to a better understanding of all things financial.

Thanks!!

 

[Jadow]

Edward James Olmos has done me well.