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Hiring Checklist – 5 Vital Interview Questions for a Financial Planner

Filed Under: Money Management by Bill — Comments Off
November 27, 2011

There are a number of reasons why you would consider hiring a financial planner in San Francisco. Maybe you want to plan your retirement, minimize estate taxes, save for your children’s education, or seriously invest. With the help of a skilled advisor, you can indeed secure a financial future.

Hiring a financial planner is similar to contracting other professionals. The same rules apply. You investigate, do a background check, and put together a list of target questions.  The answers can provide you with all the details you need to come to an informed conclusion. If you do not know where to start, here are five sample hiring queries.

  1. How much experience do you have? The financial planner should give a brief work description. Do the skills relate to the services you are looking for? Find someone with several years in the field. They will know how to handle recessions and declining stock markets better.
  2. Which qualifications can you offer? Find a CFP (Certified Financial Planner). It would be best if your expert is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a Masters of Science degree in Taxation. This includes tax and estate planning.  Ask what a financial planner in San Francisco does to stay up to date on field-related changes.
  3. What services do you provide? The longer the list, the more assistance you can expect, now and in the future. The advisor should at least offer retirement planning and investments, representation, compliance and tax preparations, organizing retirement distribution, estate planning and settlement, wealth growth forecasting, financial aid consultation, and college admission advice.
  4. When do you work? The business hours should be extended during the week. The office should be open on Saturday’s as well so you do not have to take time off work every time you need to discuss financial matters with your financial planner in San Francisco.
  5. How much do you charge? Find a fee-based management firm. Initial consultations should be free.
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Financial Planner – How to Hire A Qualified One

Filed Under: Personal Finance by Bill — Comments Off
November 24, 2011

A financial planner in San Francisco is like a tour guide. He will apply a number of rules, regulations and strategies to help your finances find their way to success. An expert in the field, he will not rest until set goals have been achieved, and your financial future is secure.

It is true. Not all citizens in California are capable of managing their funds. These individuals need the expertise of an experienced financial planner. Even men and women who were once able to balance their checkbook can now benefit from professional assistance. Economic times have become rather tough in recent years.

Investigate before giving a stranger detailed information about your finances. Employing a financial planner in San Francisco is not much different from contracting a plumber, accountant or lawyer. The same hiring rules apply.

  1. Set a timeline. While you could just call the first company in the phonebook to get the ball rolling; it is better to prepare yourself mentally that this process can take a few weeks. Thorough background checks are not completed in a day or two.
  2. Only consider a CFP (Certified Financial Planner). A cheap amateur cannot guarantee that you will be set when retirement approaches.  A registered financial advisor will be more successful, because he has a comprehensive approach.  His services include the use of innovative financial strategies, proven tax saving techniques, tried estate conservation methods, and aggressive risk management ideas. Strategies from a financial planner in San Francisco should be tailored to your specific needs and financial goals.
  3. Compile a list of questions, which can be addressed during a free consultation meeting. Keep track of the answers, so you can compare them to those of other CPF candidates. Do not hesitate to walk away when you feel uncomfortable.
  4. Request at least three current references. A dedicated financial planner should have no trouble acquiring recommendations from satisfied clients. Who knows, maybe someday you will return the favor.
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Can I Really Benefit From a Financial Planner?

Filed Under: Money Management by Bill — Comments Off
November 24, 2011

Many people benefit from the services of a financial planner in San Francisco. These individuals are convinced that a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can vastly improve their monetary situation. The expert can also advise them on retirement planning, investments, wealth management, and much more.

Although financial advisers have proven their value in the community, you may still be pondering if you could benefit from employing one. To make your decision easier, simply review the services these experts have to offer.

1.       The only way to secure a future financially is by understanding your situation. After assessing all the information you provided, the CFP will put together a realistic plan.  It will include every action you can take to achieve economic security.

2.       A financial planner in San Francisco calculates how much you need to save to enjoy a carefree retirement.  Only 33 percent of an average citizen’s retirement funding is supplied by Social Security. This means that you have to provide the rest through employer sponsored plans, personal savings, investments, and other income sources.

3.       You will be advised of great financial opportunities.

4.       Because of all the financial preparations you made after following your planner’s suggestions, it will be much easier to deal with life changes.

5.       A nest egg is useful when financial mistakes have been made, or during unexpected circumstances that require a lot of money.

6.       Trouble with your mortgage? Talk to your financial planner in San Francisco.

7.       Have you been thinking about what will happen with your savings, bonds and investments after you die? A financial advisor knows a thing or two about estate planning.

8.       Need to plan your taxes? Simply talk to the financial advisor. He can guide you through all the mumbo-jumbo.  Ask which charges can improve your tax situation?

9.       He will revise your personalized plan to accommodate a change in your goals, new financial opportunities, adjustments to tax laws, and shifting personal circumstances.

10.   The CFP will monitor your progress, and make suggestions to help you reach your objectives faster.

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The Chinese Stock Market

Filed Under: Glossary by Bill — Comments Off
October 31, 2011
Buy at Art.com
Morning Exercise Against the Backgrou…
Buy From Art.com

 

There are really two Chinese stock market choices.  The first is the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the other is the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.

The Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) is the  5th largest stock exchange, however, it is also one of the most restricted.  The structure is in A and B shares.  The majority of stocks are listed in  A shares that trade in the Chinese currency renminbi yuan and can only be traded by Chinese traders.  The B shares (with much fewer choices for the investor) can be traded by anyone.

The listing requirements for the SSE is similar to other large exchanges.  They have a market cap minimum ($30 mil), profitability over the last 3 years, and at least 25% of their company is traded on the open market.

The other Chinese stock market is the Shenzhen stock market.  This is like the NASDAQ equivalent in China.  The exchange is completely electronically managed called the ChiNext.  This companies on this exchange are mainly high-tech start ups that are majority owned by the Chinese government.

My personal opinion is with the increased globalized economy many of the large corporations will begin to be traded on Chinese stock markets which will decrease spreads on these companies and increase trading activity.  This will also lend creditability to many of the Chinese companies that still aren’t trusted by the average investor.

 

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