There are good adviser and bad one too. My former adviser retired and my account is sold to another group and I am not happy with them. I plan to get a new adviser. It is a learning curve for me. My husband used to handle the investments, now I am at a loss so I asked around and found someone I am comfortable with so I will give her a try. I am glad you are happy with your choice. Take care.

That is good advice - thanks for posting! I would add one thing to that, and that is try to find a certified financial planner who is independent - that means they are not making a commission off you. An independent advisor/planner takes a fee from you and will help you find investments and such from wherever is best for YOU. The ones that make a commission off what they place you with are not always after your best interest, and in these tough times even the good ones may feel pressured to place you with something not quite right for you because it is how they earn a living.

I think you did a very wise thing to get some expert guidance. Thank you for the reminder, too, that help is out there!

Love and Hugs,
Martha

I, too, have gone to a financial advisor. My husband was the "business" mind in our family and after his passing, I panicked! I hope I've made the right choice in doing this. I'm also 52! I also have an 8 year old daughter to raise. It's good to know that others have also chosen to take this path in their future financial security! Thanks for sharing! ((HUGS)) to you! Debbie

We have a financial advisor through my employer that is paid by my employer. They visit our office quarterly and I sit down with them each and every time they come to the office. I'm planning on retiring in 10 years and I need all the advice that I can get.

I think this is something that a lot of people might try to ignore until it's too late. As a widow, I try to be proactive rather than reactive. I find it's less stressful that way.

Thank you for the reminder. It's an important one.

Nessie from KY

My husband, also, was the one who handled our invdstments and I had no direct dealings with our adviser. He was great when I called him and explained everything with the why's included. It is a good thing to remind people of their availability. Thank you for reminding us. Sharon

Thanks Margie for the reminder. I've been putting it off since my wife was actually the one to deall with the finances. good luck with everything, Hugs, Bernard

My husband worked part -time as a financial advisor. His plan was to work full -Time,giving up his day job. Whereas I have a lot of respect for the field, I can also tell you there are many unqualified people out there with the financial advisorcredential. In the groupmy husband worked with were everyone from truck drivers to people with advanced degrees in finance. Whereas they were nice people, there inexperience left them lacking. Few would want them learning on their dime. So it is important to not only find someone not commissioned, but always find out about their experience.



Educate yourself as well. I watch programs from leading experts on Tv. I read financial magazines, etc. A financial advisor is only that --an advisory. Ultimately it is up to you to decide.

Sounds hockey.... but I have learned a lot from the Susie Orman show. She gives some very practical advice.

I'm a Dave Ramsey fan myself.

Nessie from KY

Violet
I agree. It's also important to get a good gut feel for the adviser. If you don't feel it with the first one you see, try another. My husband and I had used the same adviser guy for nearly ten years. My husband had a head for things financial, and I don't. I depend on Bill to steer me in the right direction, and when things start sounding complicated, I ask him to explain it as if I were eight years old! Having someone I trust as I trusted my late husband is very comforting.

After our life insurance agent dissolved the policies, he reviewed my financial situation and retirement account(s).

It is a very comforting feeling to know someone has you on track, and advises how to invest when you don't know a darned thing about it.

I also periodically call him for financial advice. Not so much that I need it, but to reaffirm that my decisions are right.