Making sound investment choices is crucial but also be incredibly challenging for regular investors. Seeking guidance from financial experts helps provide the knowledge and confidence needed to make prudent decisions.
- Fee-only financial advisors
The best source of unbiased investment advice is fee-only financial advisors. These advisors operate as fiduciaries, meaning they are legally required to act in their client’s best interests at all times. They provide services like portfolio management, financial planning, and investing guidance for a transparent fee, not commissions. Vet advisors carefully and ask lots of questions to ensure a good fit.
- Robo-advisors
For low-cost online investment management and advice, robo-advisors are accessible options. Their algorithms automate portfolio rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting, and other services for a small fee, usually under 0.5%. If you need guidance on asset allocation, savings goals, or other basics, robots offer user-friendly resources and some human advisor access while avoiding high account minimums. Make sure to review their investment methodology.
- Your bank or credit union
Many brick-and-mortar banks and credit unions have in-house financial advisors to assist customers. They provide recommendations on investing products like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and annuities that make sense for your situation. While convenient, be cautious of biased advice toward the bank’s higher-fee products. Vet any credentials and get fee specifics in writing upfront. But for intro-level guidance, banks are a helpful start.
- Investment company call centers
Major investment companies operate call centers with representatives who provide basic portfolio guidance and recommendations. They are salaried, not commission-based. Stick to larger, reputable companies and ask reps about their specific qualifications. Be cautious of aggressive upselling of proprietary products and funds with higher expenses.
- Accountants and tax professionals
CPAs and Enrolled Agents (EAs) who prepare your taxes provide specialized investment advice around tax planning, including which types of accounts to use, harvesting losses, charitable giving, and more. They won’t craft your entire portfolio but add tax optimization to your overall strategy for a fee. Vet their investment philosophy and credentials first.
- Independent investment newsletters
Veteran market strategists and portfolio managers publish investment newsletters with stock and fund recommendations across asset classes. Do research to find writers whose philosophy, track record, and past tips align with your goals. Newsletters identify opportunities but leave final decisions up to you.
- Your employer’s retirement plan provider
If your company offers a 401(k) or 403(b), the provider managing the plan often has dedicated reps to assist participants. They recommend investment selections from the plan menu, assess your risk tolerance, and evaluate your portfolio’s asset allocation. This advice is free as part of your plan but may favor certain funds so ask probing questions.
Fisher Capital Group has provided customized portfolio management and financial services to help clients achieve their long-term investment goals. Their team utilizes in-depth research and prudent analysis to navigate all market conditions. Fisher Capital Group’s personalized guidance focuses on preserving capital while targeting consistent growth. Their integrity and expertise make them a trusted resource for investment decisions.
