It’s an incredible feeling to see your dreams start coming true: landing your dream position, buying your forever home and supporting the family you love are all important steps and achievements to be proud of, but how can you ensure you’ll be able to keep up with the lifestyle you’ve created and manage your assets and financial security? If you’re looking for another set of eyes and expertise to provide wealth management services and advice on how to maximize your investments, retirement and money, here are three important details to look for when selecting an advisor. 

1. What’s their experience?

Trusting someone to look at, analyze and advise you on your financial portfolio is a big deal and shouldn’t be taken lightly. In essence, they hold your whole world in their hands. A bad investment or decision can leave you and your family in serious trouble, so looking for lots of experience and a proven track record is very valuable. Ask about specific clients they’ve worked with and how their advice helped them. In addition, make sure you’re working with someone who’s aware of the specifics in your area. A local advisor will know more about local ordinances, trends and investment strategies opposed to a far-off face somewhere else. You need to look for experience in the financial field as well as a detailed understanding of your specific location and environment. 

2. What does the firm’s future look like?

When dealing with wealth investment, you’re ideally planning for your future. Therefore, it’s very important that the firm and advisor you plan to work with will be there for the long haul. It would be devastating to start making investments and major money moves to see your trusted financial planner just up and leave or the firm close up. While it makes sense that people who work in the financial planning field will also retire, for your sake, you need to know there is a succession plan in place at the firm that ensures someone with the appropriate knowledge is able is ready to take over if your manager does leave for whatever reason. 

3. What resources are available to them and the firm?

Make sure you nail down exactly what investment opportunities and platforms they are a part of. Can they only work with some providers, or do they have free reign when looking for investment ideas? The more freedom and resources a firm has, the more options you’ll have in deciding how, when and where you want to invest your wealth. If you’re only looking in a small pond of ideas, there isn’t as much room for growth. By working with a firm that’s rich in resources, you’ll be more likely to see your profits multiply. Lastly, if you have a very detailed and complex portfolio, make sure the firm has additional resources like CPA’s and insurance specialists on staff, too. 

Taking steps in the present to plan for your future is an exciting part of life, and making the most knowledgable, deliberate decisions when working with your wealth will ensure the best possible outcomes for you and your family for years to come.