What questions should you ask a financial planner before deciding whether or not to use their services?
The Property School recently put this question to James McFall, a director with Property Planning Australia and authorised representative of Charter Financial Planning.
Here are the 14 questions he suggested property investors ask:
Request a Financial Services Guide if one isn't provided. This will outline details of the adviser, fee structure, complaints process etc.
How long have you been advising?
What area of financial planning do you specialise in?
What investments do you hold personally?
What is your investment philosophy and why is it so?
What are your qualifications?
Can I contact some of your current clients to verify your company's service approach or do you have testimonials that we can view?
How often will you contact me?
What ongoing service will you provide?
Do you have an in house accountant and if not, is there a referral fee you receive for the ones you recommend?
Have you ever been investigated by the Tax Office or ASIC?
Where and how do you get your independent advice from?
What is the range of products and investment platforms that you can offer?
Is your business owned in part or in whole by a larger institution?
Source: The Property School
Original article: http://www.apimagazine.com.au/property-investment/finding-the-right-financial-planner