There are a variety of characteristics a successful client-advisor relationship should have. Chief among them is that the relationship must be consultative. In my practice that involves much more than simply working together with clients in an open and honest partnership to meet their goals.
Six Cs
Know How Your Advisor Gets Paid
Submitted by Bernhardt Wealth Management on December 17th, 2012Know what you are paying for and know how your advisor gets paid.
What Makes a Competent Advisor?
Submitted by Bernhardt Wealth Management on November 26th, 2012A trusted competent advisor must provide the knowledge and insight necessary to chart an investment course for his clients – as well as the discipline necessary to keep them invested when markets get choppy. Moving away from the nautical metaphors I recently heard an advisor’s role compared to a pedestrian bridge over an eight-lane highway.
Caring — One of the Six Cs
Submitted by Bernhardt Wealth Management on October 28th, 2012Theodore Roosevelt once said “Nobody cares about how much you know until they know how much you care.” That old adage has become almost a customer service cliché but nowhere does our 26th president’s advice ring more true than in the financial planning profession.
Can You Talk to Your Advisor?
Submitted by Bernhardt Wealth Management on September 23rd, 2012Maybe you’ve seen those speed dating commercials where it’s clear in 30 seconds that the couple doesn’t click and it’s time for them to move on and keep searching for love. Chemistry is important with your financial advisor too. Let’s face it you have to be comfortable enough with your advisor to share your hopes and dreams — as well as your fears.
What Makes a Great Financial Advisor?
Submitted by Bernhardt Wealth Management on August 26th, 2012I have a one-word answer to that question: An advisor must be trustworthy.