Free advice and consultation aren’t technically free. Individuals first need to open an account or a level of assets before the advice would be granted. Here are some tips to help you pick the right brokerage service.
Things To Consider
Advice is Tangential
Information given by majority of brokerage services fail to answer client concerns and questions.
Plans are Not Consumer Friendly
Plans are often stated in technical terms and jargon that are confusing and hard to understand for common consumers. Tables and graphs are common, however difficult to comprehend.
Explanations Often Unavailable
Plans did not come with explanations regarding lard, mid, or small cap stock mutual funds.
Conservative Allocation
Commonly, broker services will adhere to an allocation of 50% in equities.
Things To Avoid
Compensation
Clients have the right to find out how advisers are being paid. This could affect fees in your plan.
Variable Annuity Offers
Costly and complex insurance products that are offered to pre-retirees.
Proprietary Funds
Seek out funds with low expense ratios and avoid funds from the investment company itself.
Tips
Seems like a good option for investors who want minimal maintenance over their accounts, but can be expensive. Request for alternative plans and recommendations.
Tips
Provide All Necessary Information
Brokerage services can formulate personalized plans for individuals who supply more information than those that provide limited data and resources.
Don’t Rush
Frequent, consistent, and numerous consultations with an adviser will lead to better plans than one-time field visits.
Organize Information
Collect all necessary documents and paperwork before visiting a broker to save time and effort. Investment statements, expected pension income, insurance policies, spending records, and tax returns for the last two years are all essential papers.
Shop Around
Ask more than one broker for advice to get an idea what offers are available to you.