<\/p>\n
If you really want to look into hiring a financial advisor, start by searching <\/span>http:\/\/www.napfa.org<\/span><\/a>. You\u2019re looking for a fee-only financial advisor (not one who charges AUM).<\/span><\/p>\n Here\u2019s an introductory email you can adapt and send:<\/span><\/p>\n Hi Mike,<\/p>\n I\u2019m looking for a fee-only financial planner, and I found you on napfa.org. A little bit about me: I have about $10,000 in total assets\u2014$3,000 in a Roth IRA (uninvested), $3,000 in a 401(k), and $4,000 in cash. I\u2019m looking for investments that will maximize long-term returns while minimizing costs.<\/p>\n If you think you can help me, I\u2019d like to meet for half an hour and ask you some specific questions. I\u2019d also like to hear how you\u2019ve worked with similar people with similar goals. Would next Friday, 2\/6, at 2 p.m. work? Alternatively, Monday, 2\/9, is wide open for me.<\/p>\n Thanks!<\/p>\n Remember, get a \u201cfee-only\u201d advisor. This means you\u2019ll pay them an hourly or project rate, NOT a percentage of your assets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You should reach out to at least 10 and set up calls with 5. You\u2019ll quickly be able to tell who is a good match for you. I\u2019ve found that about 30% don\u2019t respond to inquiries, 50% just aren\u2019t a fit (haven\u2019t worked with people in my situation, are too technical, or are condescending), and about 10-20% are possible options. By speaking to at least 5, it becomes very obvious who is the best fit for you.<\/span><\/p>\n Be sure to interview them using the questions in <\/span>my book<\/span><\/a> on page 201.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n