Financial Planner

[EtOH]

My wife and I have finally reached a point where we need financial planning advice and we have no clue where to start etc.

Can anyone recommend a good financial planning company that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? We met with a dude from Ameriprise and it looks like $300 a year for them to help us out. Unfortunately I have no clue how good that is or if the company is worth working with.

I live in Atlanta if that helps out at all on advice for choosing a planner.

EtOH

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: EtOH
My wife and I have finally reached a point where we need financial planning advice and we have no clue where to start etc.

Can anyone recommend a good financial planning company that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? We met with a dude from Ameriprise and it looks like $300 a year for them to help us out. Unfortunately I have no clue how good that is or if the company is worth working with.

I live in Atlanta if that helps out at all on advice for choosing a planner.

EtOH

omg stay away from Ameriprise!
Ameriprise was created on 8/1/05, and already has 34 regulatory actions against it as listed on NASD. A complete listing of these actions, resolutions and fines can be found on NASD's Broker Check.


edit:
wait.. r they fee based, or commisioon?

if fee based, then maybe not so bad. if commision, stay away.

 

[ChaoZ]

I would just start with fatwallet.com and ask for advice.

 

[acemcmac]

Originally posted by: ChaoZ
I would just start with fatwallet.com and ask for advice.

qft

 

[LegendKiller]

Look or the CFP (certified financial planner) designation at the very least. Somebody with a CFP + CPA would be good, considering they would be well versed in both financial planning and tax. Finding somebody with a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation would be very good also, as they have a high body of knowledge and very stringent requirements.

 

[Descartes]

I too am in Atlanta, and I have some of my money at Ameriprise. I went with them only because the guy I met had a solid background in small-business (he owns the franchise) and was able to provide what I felt was a comprehensive plan for my goals.

I used to manage my own money, but so many other things going on in my life it simply wasn't feasible. Throwing it all into an index fund like so many recommend only covers about 1% of what I need. This is especially true if you own a small-business, because there is simply far too much to consider and manage yourself.

I couldn't find what I felt was a reputable independent advisor in the Atlanta area, but if you find one please let me know. For now, I believe my guy at Ameriprise is representing me fairly, and I'll keep some money with him for a while to see how he does. I have no doubt that Amerprise has some conflicts of interest, but to be honest I'd expect this of almost everyone. It's going to happen. I'd rather not take such an acquiescent stance to it, but I don't see many other options.

Good luck!