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Before you sign on with a financial planner, even after doing your due diligence, you still need to read the fine print of that planner's agreement. Some planners include a mandatory arbitration clause in the contract. Others may try to sneak in some type of speculative investment clause without your consent. Always read the details of any contract or agreement before you sign, as signing may revoke your legal right to contest that planner's decisions or pursue arbitration against that planner.  Have a lawyer you trust look over the contract. Convey your needs, desires, and limits to your attorney so she can properly evaluate the contract before you sign. Make sure your contract ensures that your investments will be liquid (easily convertible to cash), transparent, and conducted for a reasonable cost.  An important factor to consider when you sign a contract is whether your advisor follows the suitability standard or the fiduciary standard. Advisors who adhere to the suitability standard are still legally required to ensure that an investment is suitable for you, but there is no ethical requirement that the investment must be the best option available for you. These advisors usually work on commission. An advisor who adheres to the fiduciary standard is legally bound to give you sound advice that meets your financial needs, making sure that all investments are in your best interest. A fiduciary standard advisor usually works as a fee-only advisor. There are numerous methods of compensation, depending on which advisor you choose to work with. Some experts advise that the method of compensation is largely a matter of personal preference, and should not overshadow a given planner's competence and record of success. The most common payment terms are:   Fee-only — Your payments to the planner are based on consultation meetings, plan development, or his management of your investments. These may be billed as an hourly charge, a flat project charge, or on a certain percentage of your investments being managed.  Commission-only — You do not pay for advice or preparation of your financial plan, and instead pay your planner with a portion of the sale of financial products used to implement your planning recommendations.  Fee-offset — Profits from the sale of financial products are offset against any fees billed to you during the financial planning process.  Combination fee/commission — You pay a fee for advice and plan preparation, and your planner receives commissions from certain products used to meet your plan's goals.  Salary — Most financial planners working on salary are usually employed at a financial service institution, like a bank or credit union. The best way to evaluate your financial planner is by reviewing her track record. If your planner is doing her best for you and helping you meet your goals, you are getting good service for your dollar. Some commonly agreed-upon qualities of a good financial advisor include:  Financial decisions that are based on your goals A willingness to establish your risk tolerance and make investments which you are comfortable with Objective advice without any ulterior motives or conflicts of interest Regular face-to-face meetings to review your investments
Read the fine print. Negotiate the payment terms. Assess your planner's performance.