Relationships Can Last a Lifetime

Your financial advisor^* might not be the first person who comes to mind when you think about long-lasting relationships. But, why not? An experienced financial advisor should be prepared to help you find solutions for the life you want to live, at every stage of your journey. Whether you’re just getting started or already implementing a financial plan that will carry you through to retirement, we recommend you find that reliable partner with whom you can have an enduring relationship. With that in mind, here are three keys to establishing a lifelong relationship with your financial advisor.

Confidence
Your financial advisor should have a good reputation within your community or be referred by friends, family, or colleagues. Start by asking those people you trust for referrals. A qualified professional will be willing to educate you about the investment world. Your personalities should lend to a natural, comfortable fit so that a positive relationship will form over time.

Transparency
Your financial advisor should welcome your questions and eagerly help you understand how your money will be invested. You should expect a thorough explanation of the risks and performance metrics associated with your portfolio. And your financial advisor should be responsive. They should be pretty easy to talk to by phone, email, or regularly scheduled meetings. Your preferred mode of contact should work for them.

Tenure
Your financial advisor should have experience or work with an institution you know and trust. They should take a genuine interest in you and your goals, your financial situation, and your significant life events. Hopefully, they will be able to call upon their own professional or life experiences to help you as you make decisions about how you will plan for your future.

One way to feel more confident about your choice is to rely on someone with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification.^** CFP^® professionals have completed extensive training and experience requirements and are held to rigorous ethical standards.

* Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. ("CFS"), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. UFCU has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members. CFS does not provide tax or legal advice. For such guidance, please consult a tax and/or legal advisor.

** Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP^®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.