Finding the Right Financial Advisor

A managing director of investments at Merrill Lynch, Keefe Gorman leads an experienced team of financial professionals. Demonstrating a strong work ethic at Merrill Lynch, Keefe Gorman has been recognized several times as a leading financial professional and has been named to Barron’s magazine Top 100 Advisors several times.

Once you've decided that it’s a good time to find a financial advisor, a good place to start your search is checking for specific designations and qualifications. There are three main designations that can help narrow down your search significantly: Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder, Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC). Additionally, check for any regulatory exams, such as Series 6 or 7 regulations, that a professional has completed along with the services they offer and how much experience they have dealing with areas specific to your situation.

After you find an advisor that meets your technical specifications, asking them about their personal approach to financial planning and the type of clients they usually help provides you with some additional background. Not every financial planner will have a philosophy that aligns with your own, nor will they always be used to working certain financial situations or asset levels. The final step to selecting an appropriate advisor is to start discussing the logistics of their services, including how your advisor will be paid and whether they offer any packages or comprehensive planning options that may better suit your needs.