What to Ask When Choosing a Financial Planner

Most people choose a financial planner only once in a lifetime, so they aren’t necessarily expert in the selection process. To help you, we’ve supplied some key questions to ask any advisor you may consider. We’ve also provided you with our answers.

We look forward to answering any additional questions that come up for you. Just call 215-348-9393 and ask for Julie.

Question	Marshall Financial’s answer	Why you want to ask this
What percentage of your clients come through referral?	At Marshall Financial, a large portion of our clients are referred.	A high percentage should be referrals, so that you know that the company focuses on serving clients well – not on selling.
How deep is your experience?	Our founder, Bill Marshall, was one of the first 100 peple to receive the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation. Since then, we’ve worked with hundreds of clients in all kinds of situations; some most likely similar to your own. In addition, each new wealth management plan is peer reviewed by our team of advisors, so you gain the benefit of multiple insights.	It’s good to work with people who have been there and done that – who know how to avoid mistakes and spot opportunities.
Do clients stay with you?	Marshall clients stay with us not just for years, but decades. More than half have been with us for 20 years or more. Many are “legacy” clients—second or even third generation of the same family.	Client loyalty speaks volumes about the quality of service.
What certifications do your planners hold?	All of our senior wealth advisors are CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals, with extensive education in the various aspects of wealth management. Many hold other certifications as well.	Financial planning is a complex and highly regulated business. It’s important to work with people who have been trained and tested.
What is your fee structure?	Our fees and relationships are carefully structured to avoid conflict of interest. We only accept compensation from you, never from 3rd parties. What’s best for you is our only consideration.	Beware of commission structures, which can bias the intention of even the most well-meaning advisor.
How accessible are you?	All calls to Marshall Financial are answered by an actual person during office hours. Our team approach ensures that you can quickly get answers from someone who knows you and your needs well. And you can always review your accounts securely online.	How long will it take to get an answer to a simple question? What if there’s a very urgent matter?
Who’s preparing my Plan?	For our wealth management clients, your team will consist of a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and another wealth advisor, along with a client care specialist. Together, they crate a plan that matches your situation and goals. Additionally, each new wealth management plan is peer reviewed by our team of wealth advisors.	A Certified Financial Planner® should always be at the core of your plan, preferably backed up by a team with a broad range of strengths.
What kind of access and control will I have?	At Marshall, you remain in control of all your accounts at all times, with 24/7 online access. Regular reports summarize changes since your last report. And a core member of your team is always available to discuss your plan or make revisions based on your changing needs.	Get specific answers to this question before you work with any advisor

Disclosure:

Marshall Financial Group, Inc (“Marshall Financial”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser with its principal place of business in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. This newsletter is limited to the dissemination of general information pertaining to Marshall Financial Group’s investment advisory services. Investing involves risk, including risk of loss. References to market indices are included for informational purposes only as it is not possible to directly invest in an index. The historical performance results of an index do not reflect the deduction of transaction, custodial, and management fees, which would decrease performance results. It should not be assumed that your account performance or the volatility of any securities held in your account will correspond directly to any comparative benchmark index.

This newsletter contains certain forward‐looking statements (which may be signaled by words such as “believe,” “expect” or “anticipate”) which indicate future possibilities. Due to known and unknown risks, other uncertainties and factors, actual results may differ materially from the expectations portrayed in such forward‐looking statements. As such, there is no guarantee that the views and opinions expressed in this letter will come to pass. Additionally, this newsletter contains information derived from third party sources. Although we believe these sources to be reliable, we make no representations as to the accuracy of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party incorporated herein, and take no responsibility, therefore.

For additional information about Marshall Financial, please request our disclosure brochure as set forth on Form ADV using the contact information set forth herein, or refer to the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure web site (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov). Please read the disclosure statement carefully.

August 2024 Market Commentary: Click here to read

What to Ask When Choosing a Financial Planner

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