Investment Advisers serve a very important service for consumers. In addition to the sound financial advice they can provide on different investment options, they also can provide the leadership necessary to make your money grow for many years to come. Most financial services companies have a staff of advisers with a very proven track record in developing and maintaining client relationships in the financial services industry.
That said, there are also plenty of advisers available that come from outside the industry, usually from a sales or marketing position. Regardless of the industry where they once worked, what they normally bring to the table as an investment adviser is the ability to brand their service in an extremely competitive marketplace. If investment options are something you're considering, then employing an investment adviser may aid you in reaching your financial goals the quickest.
Make Sure Your Investment Adviser is Registered!
Just like a doctor or a lawyer, investment advisers also need to be registered with the state they are working or advising in. Generally, advisers with less than a state determined threshold in managed assets register with the SEC, while others above the threshold register with another division within the SEC. Each year these registrations and licenses are renewed by the investment adviser. Any person investing money should insure that their adviser has the proper credentials before giving them money. It is not only against the law to work with an investment advisor that does not have his/her credentials, but also against your best interests.
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By Jamie Ward
