In this episode of Financial Advisors Say The Darndest Things, A.B. Ridgeway breaks down the essential steps for deciding if hiring a financial advisor is the right move. He discusses key life changes—like having a baby, marriage, or retirement—when financial advice may be most beneficial.

You'll learn about different types of advisors and when to hire one: proactively before a major decision or reactively after. A.B. also explains various payment structures, including hourly rates, flat fees, and assets under management (AUM), weighing the pros and cons of each. With practical insights, this episode will help you understand how to get the best value from your advisor and avoid costly mistakes.

Whether you’re thinking about rolling over your 401k, planning for home improvements, or just want to strategize better for the future, this episode equips you with the tools and knowledge to confidently decide if and when to engage a financial advisor.

Key Takeaways

1. Timing Matters: Hire Advisors Proactively
   • It’s better to hire a financial advisor before making big financial decisions (like buying a house or vehicle) to avoid costly mistakes and lock in better rates. Reactive help might not fix pre-existing issues.
2. Flexible Fee Structures to Fit Your Needs
   • Financial advisors offer various pricing models: hourly fees, flat fees, and asset-based fees (AUM). Each has pros and cons, so it’s essential to find the one that matches your situation and budget.
3. Financial Advisors as Strategy Experts
   • A good financial advisor can provide strategies beyond traditional savings, such as maximizing investments or minimizing tax liabilities through careful planning.

Memorable Quotes

1. "Having a financial advisor to guide you through different strategies is actually a good idea."
2. "I think you should hire them before, because if you hire them after, everything is going to be reactive instead of proactive."
3. "When your portfolio does well, your fees go up—but so does your wealth. You keep 99%, and your advisor gets 1-2%."

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*Disclaimer: This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. This is strictly for information purposes. We recommend you speak with a professional financial advisor.

Audio/Video Credits: Today Show