Q & A
Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.
How much is a financial planner?
On average, financial planners charge $100-$150 per hour for their services. However, hourly rates can range from $45-$200 per hour.
It’s important to note that financial planners and advisors may set their prices differently. For example, they may charge:
- Hourly rates
- Flat fees
- Retainer fees
- Commissions
- A percentage of assets under management
Before youhire a financial planner or advisor, get cost estimates from several professionals near you. And ask them to explain how their pricing works and how they get paid.
What is a financial planner?
A financial planner is a professional who can help create a plan to achieve your financial goals. Some examples of financial planners include investment advisors, accountants or insurance agents, according to theFinancial Industry Regulatory Authority.
What is a fee-only financial planner?
A fee-only financial planner is paid directly by their clients. This is different from financial planners who charge a commission through the products they sell.Typically, fee-only financial planners charge flat rates, hourly rates or a percentage of the assets that they manage for the client.
In the personal finance industry, the fee-only model is considered to be the most transparent because it puts the client’s interest first.Fee-only financial planners are also considered fiduciaries because they’re required to consider what’s in the best interest of their client, according to theNational Association of Personal Financial Advisors.
What does a financial planner do?
Financial planners have various specialties and backgrounds. Ultimately, they can help you analyze your finances and help you make a plan to reach your financial goals.
If you need help with your retirement savings, taxes, debt, investments and other aspects of your finances, consider hiring afinancial planner near you.
What is a Certified Financial Planner?
A financial planner who has been designated as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) by theCertified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., has met various requirements laid out by the CFP Board. These requirements and prerequisites include completing financial planning coursework, passing an exam, getting professional experience and more.
How do you hire a financial planner?
You canhire a financial planner near youby using Thumbtack. With Thumbtack, you can quickly find important details about the top-rated financial planners in your area. For example, you can:
- Read their customer reviews and ratings
- Learn more about their areas of expertise
- See how many times they’ve been hired on Thumbtack
- Find out if they’ve listed any credentials or certifications on their profiles
- Message and contact the financial planners
- Request a price quote for their services
Start searching for financial planners near you today.
What should you look for in a financial planner?
Ultimately, you should hire a financial planner who has the expertise, experience and credentials to help you navigate your finances. You should also make sure you trust your financial planner and can afford their fees.
As you’re evaluatinglocal financial planners, ask yourself the following questions:
- Does this financial planner charge fair fees and prices?
- How do they get paid?
- Will this person act in my best interest?
- Can I trust this person to handle my finances?
- Do they have the necessary certifications, education and credentials?
- Does this financial planner have mostly positive customer reviews?
- Do they specialize in a topic (investing, retirement planning, etc.) that I need help with?
When should you get a financial planner?
The decision of when to get a financial planner is entirely up to you. For example, it might make sense for you to hire a planner if you need help saving money for a specific goal (college tuition, buying a house, etc.), or if you’re about to experience a major life event (retirement, starting a family, etc.).
Maybe you'll want to hire a financial advisor or planner if you want to learn more about a particular topic, like investing or estate planning. Or, perhaps you already have financial knowledge, but you want an expert’s opinion on your financial plan.
When in doubt, reach out tofinancial planners near you. Ask about their services and prices to determine if hiring one is the right move for you.
What should you ask a financial planner?
When evaluating potential financial planners and advisors to hire, it’s important to do your research — and ask plenty of questions. Here are some questions you can ask before making a decision on who to hire:
- How much do you charge for your services?
- How do you set your prices and fees? What is your fee structure?
- Are you a fee-only financial planner?
- Are you a fiduciary?
- What certifications, degrees, designations and credentials do you have?
- What is your area of expertise (e.g., retirement, taxes, investments, etc.)
- How long have you been a financial planner?
- Do you have any references I can contact?
What is the difference between a financial planner and a financial advisor?
Some people use the terms “financial planner” and “financial advisor” interchangeably to describe professionals who help people manage their finances. But there are some differences.
“Financial advisor” is a more broad, general term than “financial planner,” according toInvestopedia. Financial planners create plans to help you meet your long-term goals, and financial advisors help manage your finances, investments and/or accounts. You can consider a financial planner as a type of financial advisor.
You should always research a potential financial planner or advisor before you hire them. Get details on their areas of expertise, credentials, certifications, education, fees and more to ensure you're hiring the best professional for your needs.
