What I’ve Been Up To

Mailbag Monday: Finding an Independent Financial Advisor

I recently came out from under the mess of the recession but I still have minimal yet manageable credit card debt. I want to start rebuilding my savings and retirement plans so I took your advice and looked up certified financial planners in my area.  Unfortunately, a couple of them never got back to me and the one who did said he deals with wealth management and since I have no wealth, I’m not a candidate for his services.  He recommended that I seek help from companies like Fidelity Investments and TD Ameritrade but aren’t they biased to their own products?  If so, how will I know my money is being invested in the right place?  What should I do?

— Kelly

Hi Kelly.  It sounds as if you’d prefer an advisor not affiliated with a particular firm.  Take a look at the Garrett Planning Network.  Sheryl Garrett, a fine planner in her own right, has built a network of planners willing to work with customers by the hour.  So you can spend just the time you need to get the plan or information you need, then execute the recommendations yourself.  This will save you a considerable amount of money.  Then, once a year, I’d go back to the planner for a check-up to make sure you’re moving in the right direction.