Best Financial Advisors in Athens, Ohio | Wiseradvisor.com (2024)

To know if a financial advisor in Ohio is legitimate and properly licensed, you can check their registration status with appropriate regulatory organizations, such as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), or the Ohio State Securities Board. It's also important to review each financial advisor for their years of experience, credentials (CFP, ChFCs, CFAs, etc.), education, method of compensation, and client testimonials to verify their credibility. For further information, you can refer to our guide on how to use BrokerCheck to evaluate a financial advisors credentials.

Financial advisors in Ohio can be compensated through a variety of fee structures. Some advisors can charge fees based on a percentage of assets under management or hourly rates for their services. Alternatively, some advisors use a combination of commissions and fees or solely earn commissions by selling financial products. It's important to understand the fee structure of a financial advisor to ensure transparency and manage potential conflicts of interest. To learn more about the various fee structures advisors use, explore the costs of hiring a financial advisor.

A financial advisor in Ohio can help you plan for your children's education expenses by analyzing your finances, setting savings goals, and recommending investment strategies. They can provide guidance on college savings plans, help navigate financial aid options, and offer insights on the tax implications of education expenses. To learn more about effective ways to plan for your child's education, continue reading about the best approaches to prepare for your child's college journey.

When choosing a financial advisor in Ohio, look for some common credentials like Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC). These designations indicate that the advisor has undergone certified training in the field as a financial advisor and is committed to keeping your best interests a priority. To ensure you are making an informed decision while picking an advisor, explore the 6 common financial advisor certifications you need to know. To further explore the various credentials an advisor can hold, read more about advisor designations.

Financial advisors listed on our directory for the state of Ohio typically offer multiple financial services to help their clients, including retirement planning, investment management, estate planning, financial planning, and wealth management. The specific services provided by the advisor can vary depending on the advisor's education, area of expertise, credentials, licenses, and more. Read on to better understand how financial advisors can assist you with the specific financial services they offer.

How often you should meet with your financial advisor may depend on your individual needs and financial situation. Some clients meet with their advisors quarterly or annually, while others may require more frequent meetings to stay on top of complex finances or significant life changes. With your financial advisor, your can discuss your financial circ*mstances and help determine the appropriate frequency for reviewing your financial plan. Read on to learn more about how often you should meet with your advisor.

A financial advisor in Ohio can help you by creating a personalized retirement plan that takes into account your current financial situation, retirement goals, and risk tolerance. They will help you set realistic goals, select suitable retirement accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs, and develop an investment strategy for optimal retirement income. The advisor can also help you navigate complex retirement matters like Social Security and taxes, and offer ongoing monitoring and adjustments to ensure your plan stays on track. If you are seeking to connect with a financial advisor that can assist you in planning for retirement, we suggest utilizing the free financial advisor match tool, which connects you with pre-screened and vetted advisors tailored to your specific requirements.

When choosing a financial advisor in Ohio, it is important to look for someone who is licensed and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). You may also want to consider their educational background, years of experience, and any relevant certifications, like Certified Financial Planners (CFP), Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA), Chartered Financial Consultants (ChFC), etc. To further explore the various credentials an advisor can hold, read more about advisor designations.