Does My Financial Advisor Need to be Local?

Choosing your financial advisor is based on your needs, goals, and comfort levels, aligned with the advisor’s expertise. So, the answer to the question is no. Remember this is a joint relationship that involves your input to the advisor. An experienced financial advisor will help create investment strategies to generate sufficient wealth and retirement income.

Thanks to technology, tech-savvy consumers have an option of working with a remote or local financial advisor. Interactions include face-to-face meetings via video conferencing, regular follow-up calls and email communications.

Your first physical meeting or virtual communication is typically designed to discuss your current situation and your future goals. The purpose is to develop a plan and build an investment portfolio based on your goals. Once the getting-to-know-you sessions (preliminaries) are completed, customary communications and annual meetings are essential.

For many clients, the lack of understanding or the uncertainty of the markets is daunting. An experienced financial advisor is going to help organize your finances for maximum benefit from now into retirement. 

Planning Today for Tomorrow

Whether you choose to work with a local or remote advisor – an assessment of your personal and financial needs are critical to developing an investment plan. If you prefer traditional face-to-face visits, working with a local advisor is best. If you’re comfortable with mobility and have a set perception of the chosen advisor’s characteristics, expertise, and skill to achieve your financial goals - geographic distances will disappear.

Remember, you may be retiring outside of your local area. At some point, you will need to use technology to communicate with your advisor. So why wait? From the advisor’s perspective, sound business practices are rooted in establishing long-term relationships built on long- or short-distance trust.

Life is unpredictable, and a financial advisor can help manage the economic changes by lessening the financial challenges. The key is establishing a reliable portfolio for you with the most growth and least risk possible.

Evolving Times

When you’re looking for a financial advisor, you may need to look beyond your local neighborhood. Advisors have been actively working with local and distant clients for years – regarded financial experts generally have clients scattered throughout the states, sometimes internationally. It’s essential to select the expert capable of walking you through the hurdles to keep your dream on track no matter what life throws at you. 

In some cases, the client’s location may limit the selection of local financial advisors, making it necessary to work with a remote advisor. You may change residences or careers relocating to another city and find that working with an advisor remotely, works for your lifestyle. Look for one with the skill and knowledge to work with your situation and help guide you through the phases of earning investment returns.

The point is finding a good match for your life’s financial planning – location may be a secondary consideration. As a standard protocol, the client and the advisor establish communication methods and schedules.  

Due Diligence

Before you choose a financial advisor, do your homework. Ask for references, talk with the current clients, and check out the governing financial agencies – you’re looking for disciplinary history. 

All financial advisors within the U.S. operate according to the law governed by standards and regulatory guidelines. Don’t be afraid or intimidated to ask the advisor about the information you find. 

Conclusion

The principal value is awareness – client needs change – markets shift. The right financial advisor will determine the amount of risk you can afford and navigate you through the events that impact your future. Plan for the unexpected, discuss the past year’s activities and make the necessary changes as you move forward. You can’t do it alone – you need an experienced and practiced professional - local or distant.

As always, we welcome any questions you may have about your finances. Reach out to Deb to review your situation and gain some perspective on what your options are.

This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.