Wealth Management Frequently Asked Questions

• What if I already have someone I work with?

• Why can some Planners do stocks and some can't?

• How can I tell if my Planner has only my best interest at heart?

• What should I know about which company my Planner works for?

• Can't I invest on my own and save a bunch of money?

What if I already have someone I work with?

If you're sure your Financial Planner has only your best interests at heart, can provide you with all of the financial products and services you need and has the ability to work with nearly any company to get you the best deal keep them. That is exactly the kind of person you want handling your finances. If you're not sure, read on.

Why can some Planners do stocks and some can't?

There are many types of securities registrations but the most common are the Series 6 and the Series 7 registrations.

The Series 7 allows the selling of mutual funds, stocks and bonds, fixed and variable annuities, options, limited partnerships, Non-traded REITS, or ETFs (exchange traded funds). This license allows your Financial Planner to use all the tools available in industry to manage your portfolio.

The Series 6 only allows the selling mutual funds and (with a life insurance license) fixed and variable annuities. It does not allow Planners to even discuss individual stocks or bonds. They are also forbidden to deal in or discuss: Options, Limited Partnerships, Non-traded REITS, or ETFs (exchange traded funds).

Why wouldn't all Financial Planners have the Series 7 license? Well, for one thing it is an additional test and material to learn and master. And an additional cost. And many Financial Planners are able to get by with clients that don't understand the importance of having all the tools available.

But the truth is, it doesn't cost a penny more to work with someone who can bring you the entire universe of products.

How can I tell if my Planner has only my best interest at heart?

Financial planning is generally done two ways, either by having a plan that is paid for overall, or by commission. The plan is paid for by you, to compensate the planner for his or her work. The commission is paid by the funds, for the same reason. Although the commission method does not cost you anything, many people wonder if the Planner then would purposely do things that only makes them more commission.

A Registered Investment Advisor Representative is someone that is specifically authorized by the funds to work for a fee, and does not then take a commission from those funds.

Working with a Registered Investment Advisor Representative means that you and your Planner share the same goals.

What should I know about which company my Planner works for?

A lot of people selling "financial solutions", actually work for an insurance company. In many cases, that company will "suggest" or require that their agents use only their products. (This is especially true for annuities and life insurance). That's fine if you're lucky enough to fit that product perfectly. If you're not that lucky, and most folks aren't, you're likely to end up with something that is a less than perfect fit.

Here, we have no proprietary products.Whatever recommendations we make, are based only on your situation and goals. One of the beautiful things about being able to choose from a whole universe of products is that you end up with the best fit for you. Not what's best for some insurance company.

Can't I invest on my own and save a bunch of money?

Take a look at where you are now. Are you well organized? Have you looked at when you want to retire, figured out how much money you'll need and tailored a plan to get there? Do you know how much you made (or lost) last year and whether those results were good or bad compared to the relevant benchmarks? Think you'll have more time, energy and inclination to stay on top of all of it this year?

This is your money, your financial future, and you only get one chance to do it right. Our specialist, Eric Bahr has a Series 7 securities registration and is a Registered Investment Advisor Representative. He has the education, business experience, and technical training you need to move forward.

When you consider how little it can cost to have expert assistance, it's hard to make a good case for going it alone.

Wait, I still have more questions!

Good! Eric is happy to answer your questions on Financial Planning, Wealth Management, Investing, or anything else money related. You can call him at 603-435-6767 or email at :EBahr@securitiesmail.com