Marcus Rolls’ Advice on Choosing a Financial Adviser

When Marcus Rolls kickstarted his career a few years ago, rising to a leadership position at a prestigious firm, he realized that he would need to start investing and managing his income wisely. Marcus Rolls decided to work with a professional financial adviser, and suggests the following tips for finding someone to help you manage your money:

Ask Around. While you can certainly Google financial advisers in your area, Marcus Rolls suggests talking to friends, family, and coworkers to see whom they use. An anonymous internet review is never going to hold the same weight as the opinion of someone you trust, and you want to have all the information possible. 

Go With Your Gut. When you meet with a prospective financial adviser, try to get an impression of their trustworthiness. If something seems off, or they offer you things that seem too good to be true, trust your instincts, says Marcus Rolls. You don’t want to put your money in the hands of anyone who seems shady or unknowledgeable.

Know Your Needs. Financial advisers have different specialties, according to Marcus Rolls, so figure out your priorities. What size accounts do you need to handle? Do you want to focus on retirement planning, or short-term investing? Do you own property or a business? Marcus Rolls encourages you to think about your needs before settling on a financial adviser who might not have the expertise you require. 

Do Your Research. You’re consulting a financial adviser because you’re not a financial expert or want an objective eye - but according to Marcus Rolls, you should still research your options. Being involved in your financial decisions is a big part of financial responsibility, so learn about the basics of investing, retirement options, and money management so that you can have an informed say in what happens to your money.