5 Things to Consider When Hiring a Wealth Management Firm

Not all wealth management firms are the same. Every firm has its specialization and line of services. Hence, choosing the right wealth management firm is a very personal decision. Before hiring a wealth manager, you must ensure that someone or a company truly cares for your future and intends to handle your finances responsibly.

Wealth managers work closely with clients to identify their financial goals, and financial planning can impact your future tremendously. You need a private wealth manager to help you map out a feasible strategic financial plan built around solid investments that'll grow over time.

What is wealth management?

Before you hire someone for wealth management services, you need to understand what you're getting into. What is wealth management anyway? This comprehensive service focuses on a holistic look at a client's financial picture.

Services under wealth management may include investment management, financial planning, estate planning, and tax planning. This type of service is considered high-end, and most firms require a certain level of investment asset allocation or a minimum net worth.

For high-net-worth individuals, private wealth managers can make a tremendous impact on their present and future. It can be helpful to consolidate all types of personal finance advice with one firm. While a financial advisor is focused solely on financial planning or investment management, a private wealth manager takes a more comprehensive approach to handle a client's finances.

Not only do you get to understand your entire financial picture through a firm, but you can also enjoy several benefits that'll make your life easier. On the other hand, wealth planning with registered investment advisors comes with a hefty price tag. Because of how challenging portfolio management can be, many individuals still tap third-party investment managers for their needs.

How do I choose a wealth management company?

Choosing a wealth management firm is not a decision you should take lightly. The hedge funds and mutual funds you put your money into can make a significant impact on your life. Thus, this is a decision you should pay strong attention detail as you search for the best certified financial planner. After all, you'll be paying a tremendous amount of money for their services.

Just like with any other major financial decision, there are a certain amount of questions you need to ask and factors you should be aware of. Here are some helpful tips for choosing a wealth management firm today:

Tip 1: Get a feel if the firm looks out for clients' best interests

Trustworthiness is the most vital factor when choosing a company that will care for your finances. While most people expect people in the industry to have good intentions, the reality is that some professionals may prioritize the incentives they stand to gain when they make particular investment suggestions. These suggestions may not align with clients' best interests.

In addition, many investors may not be aware that there is a range of standards with which investment managers may be legally obligated to comply. While an individual advisor and firm may claim they offer the same services, they are bound to different standards of impartiality under the law.

For example, the law recognizes brokers and dealers as salespeople, while investment advisors and trust companies are considered advisors. To complicate matters further, some brokers use potentially confusing job titles like 'financial advisor' when highlighting their wealth planning services. In reality, the same standard does not govern them as investment advisors.

A fiduciary is a company held to a higher standard under which its managers are legally obliged to always put a client's interest above their own personal agenda. When you're looking for a firm to handle your finances as a high-net-worth individual, you should ask questions like, 'does this firm receive compensation from third-party fund managers?' and 'do you sell proprietary products, and if so, how are you compensated for selling them?'

Tip 2: Determine the firm's breadth and expertise.

The typical wealth manager would be able to provide basic services such as investment management and financial planning. Investment planning refers to the financial assets and investments, not just buying and selling them. This type of management involves devising a short and long-term strategy for acquiring and disposing of portfolio holdings. Financial planning is the task of determining how a person or a business will be able to afford its strategic goals and objectives.

While these services may be immensely beneficial to people, they may not be enough to meet people's needs and expectations. Other firms offer valuable services, such as wealth transfer advice, trust services, tax planning advice, estate planning advice, non-liquid asset management, and loan and credit management.

It's not enough for a firm to simply offer these services. They need to be able to present evidence that they have the experience and expertise to deliver these services effectively and efficiently. You should check if the firm that you're eyeing has a dedicated team of professionals focused on the services you need personally. This can help determine if that firm is best positioned to cater to your needs.

It would be best if you asked for the company's credentials to see how legitimate this firm is in delivering the best services. These certifications can give you peace of mind, knowing that your wealth managers can walk the talk and take care of your finances well.

Tip 3: Check out how flexible the firm is.

Every individual has their own unique situation and needs. Finding a firm and manager that tailors their approach to your specific needs can significantly impact your satisfaction with their services. It's essential that the wealth management firm you intend to work with can help provide customized options to ensure that your portfolio matches your tax situation, long-term goals, and any other individual wealth-planning needs.

Some firms strongly encourage standard model portfolios due to their large size. Managing many accounts can be complex. Thus, your options as an individual investor may be limited in terms of flexibility. At the same time, some small firms may be unable to pursue this approach and provide customized plans because of their inadequate resources and expertise.

Not only that, you should ensure that the wealth manager you'll be tapping response to clients promptly and with the depth of information you need in any given situation. Having a wealth manager you can rely on can help ease your mind if you have a pressing concern.

When applying this tip, some questions you should ask include, 'will my assets be invested in a standard portfolio?' and 'to what degree will my asset collection be customized?' You should also ask questions like, 'how quickly do your people usually respond when I reach out regarding questions on my investment and other matters?'

Tip 4: Look at the wealth management firm's permanence

As an individual investor, your priority is securing your personal future and needs. However, it would be best to look at the bigger picture and the various and often unpredictable ways the future may unfold. The truth is that some firms are built around a few individuals owning most of that firm or company. These people's retirement, separation, or incapacity can often cause considerable problems in client service and firm stability.

Ideally, the wealth manager you choose should have an ownership structure in place that continuously attracts new talent and provides an ongoing transfer of ownership. This gives you an assurance that the firm remains independent and free from possible disruption.

When applying this tip, you should ask questions like, "who owns your firm?" and "how much of the ownership is concentrated on a few top individuals?" You should also ask the company, "what is your firm's plan of transition when a majority of the shareholders retire?"

Tip 5: Review the firm's free and commission schedule

A wealth manager can help you grow your money and reach your goals, but they won't extend their services for free. There are two basic ways wealth managers make money from clients: by charging commission fees on the products they sell or by assigning costs to specific services.

When it comes to costs, you need to determine if the amount you'll be charged for the firm's services is worth the price. You should learn if you're getting what you pay for. If you're spending a large percentage of your earnings on fees, you don't want to end up scrambling. It's only practical that you get your money's worth. After all, the services of a wealth advisor don't come cheap.

Applying this tip, you should learn how wealth managers can benefit financially from their transactions. The relationship should be mutually beneficial, and the benefits need to outweigh the costs from your end.

Looking for the best wealth management firms

Looking at the bigger picture, there's no single right or wrong answer when you're searching for the best wealth manager. This decision can impact your life and those who matter to you tremendously, and you shouldn't rush into things. At the end of the day, only you can decide if the firm you're eyeing is the perfect fit for you or not.