Money Matters: The Insider's Guide to Choosing a Financial Planner

Date : 07/03/2023
Read: 4 mins

Selecting the right financial planner requires considering factors like age, experience, investment philosophy, and whether to choose a human or digital advisor to achieve your financial goals.

Financial planning is a critical aspect of securing a sound financial future. With the multitude of financial advisors available, selecting the right one can be a challenge. To make an informed decision, it's important to consider two factors – age and investment viewpoint.

The Importance of Age.

Age is a significant factor in choosing a financial advisor. A young person in their 20s has different financial needs and goals than someone in their 40s or 50s. As a result, the investment strategy that works for the younger individual may not be ideal for someone in a different stage of life.

Experience Counts.

It's also important to consider the experience of the financial advisor. An advisor who has been in the business for a long time has seen market cycles and can provide better guidance through market ups and downs. Their experience can help you navigate complex products and volatile markets.

Digital vs Human Advisor.

In recent years, digital platforms have made investing more accessible. However, the question remains – do you want a robot or a human advisor?

Online platforms are suitable for young individuals who are starting their investment journey and know the instruments they want to invest in. However, as your portfolio grows, it may be beneficial to have someone to guide you through complex products and market volatility.

On the other hand, a human advisor offers personalized advice and can help you understand the different financial solutions available to meet your specific goals.

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Match Your Investment Philosophy.

When selecting a financial planner, it's important to spend time understanding their investment philosophy. A good financial planner should be able to map your financial goals to the solutions they offer, helping you achieve your financial objectives promptly.

Why You Need a Financial Planner?

The type of financial advisor you need depends on your specific requirements. If you are young and have simple financial needs, an online platform may be sufficient. However, if you have more complex financial needs, such as investing in shares and mutual funds, restructuring loans, creating a will, and buying insurance, it's best to work with a financial planner who offers advice on multiple products.

To find a financial planner, you can ask for references from friends, colleagues, or family members, or search in databases such as AMFI, SEBI, or FPSB. When shortlisting, consider factors like the planner's investment philosophy, level of experience, age, and whether they offer the type of advice you need.

You can choose between a human or digital advisor, but an experienced human advisor may be better for larger portfolios and when guidance through market volatility is needed. The financial planner's age may also be a consideration, as someone of similar age may better understand your goals and needs. It's important to choose a financial planner who offers advice that matches your financial goals and needs.