Saturday, May 17, 2008

Charges financial planner

One of the main problems when hiring a financial planner is how planner to be paid and whether this form of remuneration is good for you.

There are many forms of compensation, and the planner May even offer a choice, depending on services. But there has been much debate in the media and within the profession itself, about which is the best form. Are better than the costs of commissions? A combination? What about annual restraint?

There is not a good answer to these questions, except the answer that suits you. What is important is that the planner fully revealed how he or she charges, that you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each form of compensation, and that the arrangement best suited to your needs. Ultimately, the key is to find a competent, ethical planner who will be your interest first and foremost, whatever the type of compensation.

Commission. The planner is paid by financial institutions for each financial product sold to customers, such as insurance, mutual funds, limited partnerships or stocks and bonds. For example, the planner can be paid in advance a percentage (for example 5.75 per cent) on the basis of the value of shares purchased in a mutual fund, or planner could receive an annual Commission ( usually one percent) based on the amount of money the customer has in the fund account.

Critics argue that this approach creates a conflict of interest because the planner May push products that might not be in the best interest of the client, May or encourage a rapid turnover of products, known as "sterile." On the other hand, commissions can be an avenue more affordable than fees for more modest income customers.

Fees for assets under management. The planner charges an annual fee based on the total value of client assets invested planner is management. A typical charge for this service is 1 to 1.5 per cent. Proponents argue that this removes the commission through the sale. But other, this arrangement can encourage the planner to keep as much money as possible, even if some of that money is needed elsewhere, like insurance, repay debt or make a donation to charity.

Charges for total client assets. Some planners are starting to receive a percentage based on the total value of the customer's investment and non-investment assets on the assumption that they often provide advice on assets that are not directly manage, as a 401 (k) a plan or vacation home. This, they argue, removes any incentive to keep liquid investments under management. This method, of course, May not work for consumers with modest estates.

Hourly rate. This can eliminate the sale of products partiality and the approach is flexible for those who want advice limited. But some point out that this arrangement May not conducive to a continuing relationship with the adviser. In addition, at costs of consultation, which could be $ 150 to $ 250 or more, could easily accumulate continuous planning, or encourage the planner to perform unnecessary work.

Tax restraint. A new trend is to charge a fixed rate for the year depending on the size and complexity of a customer finances. Conflicts of interest May be minimal, but with restraint annual ranging from $ 2,000 to more than $ 10,000, the cost can be prohibitive for many families, and it may be an incentive for a planner to do as little as possible to maximize profits.

Fees and commissions combination, or unit prices. A planner may charge a fee for developing a financial plan or strategy, and receive commissions on financial products purchased by the customer to implement the strategy or plan. A variant is fresh-offset. To say the planner costs $ 2000 in initial fees and receives $ 1000 in commissions. The planner would then credit the customer $ 1000 towards future royalties.

Salary. A small percentage of planners use this method. Most of them work for financial institutions as a bank. Although the planner does not receive a charge the commission on the sale of a product, critics note that the planner's salary is paid by commissions or fees generated by the sale of products and services sold by the financial institution to the consumer.