Know your advisor

Choose a professional

Getting sound and objective financial advice is key to achieving your financial goals. Choose your financial advisor as carefully as you would your family doctor or lawyer.

Why do I need a financial advisor?

A financial advisor is someone who can help you plan your financial future. Firms are registered as dealers, advisor, portfolio managers or any combination of these. It is important that your particular investment needs match what your financial advisor can provide.

What services do I need?

What are my investing abilities? Or how much do I know?  What should I look for? 
I am a knowledgeable investor. I can do my own investment research and make my own decisions. A dealer can do trades for you quickly and at the lowest cost. A discount brokerage firm might be right for you.
I don't know how or where to invest. I need investment advice, recommendations on specific securities and someone to make trades.

A full service dealer can do all this. Or, you may want to find an independent investment advisor to provide the advice and a discount broker to do the trades.
I need someone to take control of my portfolio and manage it on my behalf but I want to stay informed. A portfolio manager can help you with this.
I know I only want to invest in mutual funds. A mutual fund dealer or full service dealer can help you.


Other considerations when working with an advisor

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