Happy Valentine’s Day, Feds! We continue celebrating FED-uary with a checklist to help choose a financial advisor.
This is the third in my Fed-uary series on working with financial advisors. Following up on the last two previous weeks’ articles on Why Fed’s Need a Financial Advisor, and What Fed-Focused Financial Advisors bring to the table, this week’s focus is on how to choose a good financial advisor.
Sorting through the myriad of options available to feds in the world of financial advice can take days or weeks of research, and once complete, can still lead to a bad outcome. To avoid that- let’s try to outline some of the key terms that all feds should be familiar with when meeting with a financial advisor.
As when hiring any professional, due diligence is paramount when hiring a financial advisor. The key terms listed above are an excellent start for federal employees looking to start a relationship with an advisor. Of course, we are proud to say that all of the advisors at Serving Those Who Serve hold all of the aforementioned designations. However, it is also important that you feel comfortable and confident when talking to your advisor. Your goal should be to hire an advisor you can see yourself working with for many years, through the ups and downs of life. It may take several interviews to find the right advisor for you, but the time investment is worth it. How do we know? Stay tuned- next week’s article will cover how to assess your financial advisor.
**Written by Jennifer Meyer, Financial Planner. The information has been obtained from sources considered reliable but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Jennifer Meyer and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy suggested. Every investor’s situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon before making any investment or financial decision. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of RJFS, we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. **
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
The FedLife Podcast is your in-depth, biweekly deep dive into the world of federal benefits and retirement planning. Hosted by federal benefits expert Ed Zurndorfer and Dan Sipe of Serving Those Who Serve, each 30-minute episode unpacks the complexities of FERS and CSRS retirement, FEHB and Medicare, survivor benefits, tax planning, and more. Designed for federal employees and retirees who want more than just the basics, FedLife goes beyond the headlines to explore the rules, nuances, and strategies that can make a meaningful difference in your retirement. Remember: it’s your Fed life, make it a great one.
The Fed15 Podcast is your weekly 15(ish)-minute briefing on federal benefits and financial planning, built specifically for federal employees and retirees. Hosted by Dan Sipe and Katelyn Murray of Serving Those Who Serve, each episode delivers clear, actionable guidance on topics like FERS and CSRS retirement, TSP strategies, FEHB, survivor benefits, tax planning, and more! Whether you’re five years from retirement or already there, The Fed15 helps you cut through the noise, avoid costly mistakes, and make confident decisions about your federal benefits.
