6 Tips to Help You Find the Right Financial Planner

Managing personal finances is sometimes difficult. People take the help of financial consultants when they couldn't manage it themselves. We call the consultants financial planners, and sometimes, financial advisors.

The two terms are not synonymous, though. Financial advisory is an umbrella term, which includes financial planning. A financial advisor helps people invest in the stock market, acts as a broker to settle a deal, delivers tips for a lawsuit, etc.

A financial planner, on the other hand, only helps individuals and organizations in taking care of their finances. You can see the basics of financial planning here.

Ask for certifications

According to Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), anyone can call himself a financial planner. What it means is a complete charlatan might pretend to be a financial expert, and you may end up visiting him for financial advice.

Nevertheless, if someone wants to introduce himself as a financial advisor, then he’d have to obtain some certification. The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors or NAPFA keeps a registry of financial advisors. As far as its claim goes, there are over 100 certifications, any of which a financial advisor could obtain. 




Hence, if you ever visit a financial advisor, ask him to produce his credentials. He should be having certifications proving his sanguinity. If he couldn't produce them or give flimsy excuses, look for another one.

Fee structure

Select a planner, who asks for a flat rate fee. Planners, who prefer a commission based fee, may not work in an unbiased manner for their clients, as they are paid only when a product is sold. Because of this, they might prioritize the sale of the product, and not client’s interest.

Those, who ask for an hourly rate fee are like attorneys. They are extremely professional because the money they charge is not for the advice delivered, but for the time taken. Some lawyers accept an annual fee, which might be as high as 1-2% of your total assets.

Some financial planners limit their services to people, who are quite rich. More often than not, such planners offer investment related advice and secure a percentage in the return. 

They don’t accept clients, who don’t have enough money to invest. The minimum cap for qualification is $250000. If you are not opting for a large-scale investment, don’t go to them.

The planner’s credentials

In technical terms, it is called fiduciary. If a planner has fiduciary, that means he has pledged to serve the best interests of his client irrespective of situations. If a planner is not a fiduciary, then you have reason to doubt his authenticity. Investment professionals without fiduciary are presumed to lack the sustainability standard.

Simply put, they might offer you advice, which are attractive from a shallow angle, but not so in the long run. Ask the planner upfront whether he’s a fiduciary, don’t hesitate. 

Another thing to ask is whether he’s ever been put under an investigation carried out by any investment regulatory council. Such investigations are conducted only when a person is accused of serious charges.

Promotion through predictions

A financial planner working independently is always on the lookout for new clients. Someone visiting his office is a prospective lead, who might turn into a sale. To impress him, the planner might make predictions, which he couldn’t back with evidence.

The predictions made by such planners are mostly on the stock market. If your planner tells you to invest in a stock because he believes he’ll show a market-beating performance, leave his office, and start looking for another planner. 

That’s because the stock market is highly volatile, and nobody could correctly predict what’s going to happen.

Area of specialization

Not every planner can help you. Check the planner’s area of expertise. Some planners work in specific areas, such insurance or socially responsible investments. 

If you want solutions related to IRA conversion, and if a planner has reputation in areas such as stock market investment, then there’s no point going to him.

Sometimes, planners focus on clients on the basis of age. A planner, who is more than 60 years of age and has his own business might focus on people who are on the verge of retiring or business people themselves.

Technicalities aside

Financial planners often use technical jargons, the meaning of which is hard for a naive people to comprehend. If a planner uses any ambiguous term, ask him to elucidate its meaning. Make sure you know the meaning of every word, coming out of his mouth.

Follow the tips

And it’ll be incredibly easy for you to find the right financial planner, who’ll provide you with all the help you want.

What do you think of the tips shared here? Do you have any tip of your own? Share with us by posting a comment.

James Paul is the blogger at Basic Finance Care that covers best tips on budget management, frugal living, money saving, credit score improvement and more. He is also a contributing writer at Finance Guest Post - a community for personal finance blogger.

3 Reasons to Consider Trading for A Better Car Before Winter

It’s getting closer to winter than you might realize. As the chill starts to move into the air, you may need to think about trading in your current vehicle. Below are just three of the reasons to consider trading in for a better car before winter.

Simple Safety

The winter is a dangerous time for drivers. If you live in an area with snow, you already know that older cars have a tendency to develop more problems. If you live in a warmer area, you may well have to deal with ice instead of snow—something you definitely don’t want to chance with an older car. 

It may well be time for you to trade in for a newer vehicle, one that can keep you safer as the weather changes. It’s better to start looking now than to worry about your car when the freezing starts.

Great Deals

It’s also a smart idea to trade in before the winter because there are some fantastic deals you can find. The colder months aren’t always the best months for car dealerships like and many dealers look to make a profit before the weather turns. 

Whether they are looking to get rid of older models or they just need to make money before the end of the year, dealers are often able to give better trade in deals right before the winter begins. 

If you can get into a dealership like Young Automotive Group with a decent trade, you stand a much better chance of walking away with a great car that you are actually able to afford.

Keeping Value

Finally, you might want to consider trading in for a new vehicle before winter sets in because you’ll get more for your old car. The winter can be rough on vehicles and trade-in values tend to decline when there’s rust or damage on the vehicle. 

The sooner you are able to trade in your current car, the better—especially if your car is in good condition. With a little luck, you’ll be able to trade up to a new vehicle while your old car can still fetch a good trade-in price.

Trading in now can get you a better deal, maximize the value of your car, and keep you safer on the winter roads. Don’t delay just because you think you might get a better deal if you hold out—both your bank account balance and your personal safety may affected if you’re not willing to look at trading in before the winter finally arrives.

Need a New Car? How to Buy a New Vehicle on a Limited Budget in Retirement

For many people, having a vehicle is a necessity. You may not have the luxury of public transit based upon where you live and where you need to go on a regular basis. This is especially true if you work or are in school full time. 

You need a reliable source of transportation. If you are on a limited budget, however, you might worry that you won't be able to afford a car at all. Luckily, you do have options. And while having a car comes with additional expenses, such as maintenance, gas, and insurance, simply having a car can save you time and make things more convenient for you. 

And in some ways, by having a car you are saving time which can also save you money. These are a few tips that can help you get the car that you need, even if you don't have a lot of money.

Consider a Lightly Used Car

Even though you might like the idea of buying a brand new car, it's not a bad idea to at least consider looking for a gently used car. If you buy a car that is only a couple of years old, you might find that it's in like-new condition but that it's available for a fraction of the price. 

This can be one of the easiest ways to buy a vehicle for less as will save you money on your month to month car payments.However, if you are looking for a new car, you can also look into doing a lease rather than financing. This can save you money in the short-term and in some cases, the long-term as well. 

You just want to make sure that if you do lease a vehicle, that it holds its value well for the duration of the lease. This way you can have the option to buy it out when your lease is up.

Look for an Understanding Lender

Not all lenders are super-picky when it comes to granting car loans. Some are much more understanding than others. Consider applying for a loan with a company like Clubmoney. 

These types of lenders are used to working with people with lower incomes and who might not have the best credit scores, and they may be able to help you more than you think.

Consider Securing a Co-Signer

If your income is low, there is a chance that you might find it to be a little bit harder to get approved for an auto loan. This does not mean that you won't be able to get a loan, however. 

Some lenders will still work with you, but you might find that it's easier to get approved if you have a qualified co-signer. This is especially the case if you have bad credit. Not only can it help you get approved, but it might also help you secure a lower interest rate.

Shop Around for the Best Price

Before buying a car, it's always a good idea to go to a few different dealerships. You could be surprised by how much of a difference in cost you might find between different dealerships. Shopping around will help you find the best deal on the make and model that you are interested in.

As you can see, even if you have a limited budget, there are things that you can do to help you get a car. If you follow these tips, you might actually find that buying a car is a lot easier than you thought it would be. In no time, you could be behind the wheel of a great vehicle.

Healthy Heaters: 4 HVAC Maintenance Tips to Look into This Fall

Fall has finally arrived. Now is the time to get some maintenance done on your HVAC system. It has been working hard all summer keeping your home cool and comfortable. 

It is going to be working just as hard keeping your home warm through the winter. Let’s look at four tips you can use to get your system ready for the season.

Replace Your Air Filters

If you have not changed your air filters recently, now is the time to do it. Actually, you should check the filters at least once a month and change them when the filter is covered with dust. 

Modern HVAC systems require a clean flow of air to work properly. The filter cleans out particulates but it can become clogged. A clogged filter prevents a free flow of air and that makes the system work harder.

Clean the Exterior Unit

If your HVAC system has an outdoor unit, you need to make sure it is clear of dead leaves, grass clippings and other debris. The outdoor unit uses air to dispel heat. 



When the unit is clogged with debris, the air does not flow properly. This, like a clogged filter, makes the system have to work harder to keep your home comfortable.

Clean the Interior Equipment

If you look inside your interior HVAC equipment, you may find dust coating the heat exchanger. That dust is causing the unit to have to work harder to cool and heat the air in your home. 

Gently brush the dust off. If you find mildew in the unit, use water to remove it. A few minutes of your time will give you healthier, conditioned air.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

At least once a year, you need to have a professional technician from a company like All American Air & Electric, Inc. or a similar business come out and check your HVAC system. That technician will inspect the entire system to ensure everything is working properly. 

He may make adjustments to the controls to ensure the system is running at optimal levels. He will check coolant levels and top them off if needed. He may find some minor issues that need attention before they become major. All this work will keep the system running through the winter months.

These four tips will help you get your HVAC system ready for the winter season. Taking time to do the work and getting a system checkup will ensure your home is comfortable this winter. It will also help your system last longer and keep it free of repairs.

DirecTV NOW Review

I ditched stellite television a couple of weeks back and substituted it with Hulu, Netflix and Sling TV. So being a cable cutter, I was seriously psyched by the news of DirecTV NOW with its 120+ channel lineup. I am looking to cut back on expenses as we near retirement and tv can get pretty expensive. After many weeks of screening DirecTV NOW - I can tell you it's not quite ready for prime time.

DirecTV NOW app

The interface for the DirecTV NOW app is tidy and consise, however not quite simple, so it takes a little time to get used to it. The app lets you do things like set TV channels as favorites, check out a TV guide, and gain access to on demand titles. 

Thus far, the app is still buggy, however it's being routinely upgraded and enhanced, and extra on-demand titles are being included. Regardless, possibly the neatest element of the DirecTV NOW interface is that you can continue to view a show in the background as you scroll around the user interface searching for something else to view.

TV programs and channels stream effortlessly and look fantastic. Already, there are apps provided for Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android, Chromecast, iPad, and iPhone. Along with those apps, you can even log in from your browser to stream DirecTV NOW.  I'm actually a Roku fan and have been using it on there for a month and I will continue for one more month to really get the feel of it.


I initially found out about DirecTV NOW as a service with over 120 channels and one that would be $35, however it ends up both of those things aren't real at the same time. DirecTV NOW has 4 subscription levels, varying from over 60 channels to the leading level, which has more than 120.

Prices

Live a Little-- $35/ month (60+ channels).
Just Right-- $50/ month (80+ channels).
Go Big-- $60/ month (100+ channels).
Got ta Have it-- $70/ month (120+ channels).

The 120+ channel lineup for DirecTV NOW is outstanding, and you can even add on premium channels like HBO and Cinemax for an additional $5 monthly each. When DirecTV NOW initially released, they offered a special introduction discount which provided their 100+ channel lineup for $35. 

That promotion ended in January, and now they've gone back to their regular multiple bundle prices which begins at $35 for 60+ channels and increases to $70 for 120+ channels. Regrettably, at $70 for 120+ channels, you're most likely much better off going straight through your cable television carrier and getting a TV/ Internet package that consists of DVR functions, which DirecTV Now presently does not have. 

This is damaging to the service, because without the DVR function this is potentially the greatest defect of the brand-new service.

Decision

DirecTV NOW will unquestionably keep improving gradually-- currently, we've seen its catalogue grow considerably since its release over the past number of weeks. However, in the meantime I cannot support its high price point. 

At its $50/Just Right option, the price was right for me, I do not need anymore channels than that. To make the service a somewhat more appealing, I 'd like to see offline watching and DVR functions hopefully very soon, a larger on-demand catalog, and more reasonable prices compared with other services. 

If DirecTV NOW can make all that occur, it might end up being a cord-cutter's dream.

The Good: 

• More channel choices than its rivals 
• provides premium channels for an additional price 
• smooth streaming experience 
• fantastic for live TV
• no contract needed 
• no surprise costs

The Bad: 

• No DVR component yet 
• buggy software
• expensive plans
• requires more on-demand titles to make it interesting

My recomendation is to try the Live a Little-- $35/ month (60+ channels) choice and see if you like it. If it's your first Internet tv choice, this is a good one to get your feet wet.

DIRECTV® NOW - Start Streaming Today. Live Stream Your Favorite Channels on All Your Screens with No Annual Contract!

3 Pre-Winter Home Repairs That Only Get More Expensive If You Wait

While spring is usually seen as the season for cleaning and tidying up a home, this season of rebirth comes directly after the season of cold. It is the very weather and temperatures that occur around winter where lax repair work around the house can lead to worsened problems. 

While several different problems may come to mind, here are three especially notable problems that would best be handled before the first frost.

Treating Your HVAC

While a problematic HVAC system is one of the most obvious things to have fixed before winter, there are still some home owners who forget to give it regular maintenance. 

Professional HVAC companies know what a premium central heating is in the winter and will generally charge more for work in the winter than in other seasons.

Fixing a Damaged or Weakened Roof

You should make it a regular habit to look over your roof after every major storm and maybe once a month. By making regular checks, you can fix small problems before they grow out of control or require major work. 

This is especially notable when it comes to temperatures conducive to snowfall; a weakened or damaged roof increases the risk of a partial collapse when a heavy layer of snow continually presses against the roof. 

Snow also does a great deal of obscuring where problems might be, leading to nothing but frustration should you decide to investigate your roof after a snowfall. 

Another reason to inspect for cracks and damage in your roof is to avoid mold and structural damage as snow and ice melt, turning into water that can penetrate your imperfect walls.

Rectifying Cracks in the Foundation

The winter is the worst time to inspect and make work on a concrete foundation. Moisture can worsen problems that may extend beyond where you can see, possibly to the foundation’s underside. 

One of the easiest ways for water damage to play havoc with a foundation is when temperatures cause water to freeze and expand; the pressure generated by these form changes can result in upward-reaching cracks or erosion of the soil. 

Because weather and temperature also play roles in concrete work, it is least recommended to wait until winter to repair a cracked foundation.

Winter is a time to relax and spend time with family through various holidays, not fixing up problems in your home that you decided to put off. Be vigilant in checking your home for problems throughout the year and remember to make repairs a priority issue. 

If you aren’t sure what to look for, call professionals like Fischer Roofing to help you out. The last thing you want for your home in the winter is to resort to starting fires inside it, tolerate a constant draft from an unclear source or discover that your doors and windows aren’t closing quite right because the foundation shifted.