Financial Planner?

[JustStoppingBy]

Looking for recommendations for a financial planner that works off a set fee and not on commission. I'd prefer one in St. Mary's but I'd be willing to travel to neighboring counties, too.

I've used Gene Townsend in the past and like him ok. Just exploring other options.

Any really good ones out there?

 

[ProfMoneyWise]

Dave Ramsey Homepage - daveramsey.com

Right side of the page is a list of what they call Endorsed Local Providers.

These are guys that meet the Dave test if you are familiar with his work and philosophy.

I also have used Gene and am very satisified.

I also have an Investment Rep at Edward Jones. Mine is not local but all the IR's have to follow and comply with Edward Jones practices and philosophy.

Dave, Gene or EJ type folks you can't go wrong with.

There is a good finance book out there that has a passage I like as follows:

Proverbs 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

 

[JustStoppingBy]

Dave Ramsey Homepage - daveramsey.com

Right side of the page is a list of what they call Endorsed Local Providers.

These are guys that meet the Dave test if you are familiar with his work and philosophy.

I also have used Gene and am very satisified.

I also have an Investment Rep at Edward Jones. Mine is not local but all the IR's have to follow and comply with Edward Jones practices and philosophy.

Dave, Gene or EJ type folks you can't go wrong with.

There is a good finance book out there that has a passage I like as follows:

Proverbs 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Thanks for the feedback

 

[DEEKAYPEE8569]

Looking for recommendations for a financial planner that works off a set fee and not on commission. I'd prefer one in St. Mary's but I'd be willing to travel to neighboring counties, too.

I've used Gene Townsend in the past and like him ok. Just exploring other options.

Any really good ones out there?

"Financial Planning": def. thse days anyway: 1) Don't spend more than you make. 2) Live within your means or the constraints of your finances.
:shrug:

 

[BET]

"Financial Planning": def. thse days anyway: 1) Don't spend more than you make. 2) Live within your means or the constraints of your finances.
:shrug:

3). Invest wisely. <---------- I think that this is what the OP is looking for help with.

 

[JustStoppingBy]

3). Invest wisely. <---------- I think that this is what the OP is looking for help with.

 

[whoknew]

Gene Townsend

Does Gene Townsend work on commission or fee only? Also, how much roughly does he initially charge - ie I know little to nothing about all the financial/investment options out there so would need a good amount of explanation/research/options explained. Thanks.

 

[ItalianScallion]

I've been with the Edward Jones Investment Firm for 10 years and would highly recommend them. Free initial consultation with a one time fee being paid at the time the investment contract is signed and future consults are free. The agents are paid by the companies they invest in.

 

[ProfMoneyWise]

Does Gene Townsend work on commission or fee only? Also, how much roughly does he initially charge - ie I know little to nothing about all the financial/investment options out there so would need a good amount of explanation/research/options explained. Thanks.

Gene W. Townsend, CFP®
GT Financial Services

23274 Nicholson St
Hollywood, MD 20636-3286
Phone: (301) 997-0452
Fax: (301) 997-0454

Give Gene a call to find out, he sets his rates.

Gene does not sell investment products. He is not in the financial sales business he is in the education business.

Another option is Edward Jones. I too have a relationship with an Edward Jones Investment Representative. I have found the EJ philosophy to teach the investor as well as advise.

Best test for an Investment Advisor is tell them you are in debt but want to invest. If they do not tell you to get out of debt first . . . I advise you walk out and interview another.

Yes, you interview the representative. You are interviewing to hire someone. Never forget that.

 

[ProfMoneyWise]

I've been with the Edward Jones Investment Firm for 10 years and would highly recommend them. Free initial consultation with a one time fee being paid at the time the investment contract is signed and future consults are free. The agents are paid by the companies they invest in.

Keep in mind there are various products sold by EJ. I have a combination of the product(s) you describe above plus an Advisory Solutions product where the fee is paid by me monthly and is based upon the sum of the account value. I also have other products with EJ where the fee(s) are various and appropriately priced based upon the investment and services received.

I do wholeheartedly endorse EJ's philosophy and the IR is not there just to support the financial product they sell but is also there as counsel for the clients entire financial picture (insurance, savings, investing, 401K/IRA/Other retirement vehicles) whether all of these products with with/through EJ or not.

 

[tommyjo]

Looking for recommendations for a financial planner that works off a set fee and not on commission. I'd prefer one in St. Mary's but I'd be willing to travel to neighboring counties, too.

I've used Gene Townsend in the past and like him ok. Just exploring other options.

Any really good ones out there?

With something as important as this why on Earth would you trust the opinions of anonymous internet posters? (I don't understand this...someone on here a couple weeks ago was asking the same questions about a mortgage!) Your are talking about your entire future...not a washer/dryer or cell phone.

As with any referral you are looking for, talk to your friends, family, co-workers...then pick 2-4 people to interview.

Here are some tips:

Just because a person works for a company...doens't mean they are worth squat.

Just because they are on their own doesn't mean squat.

How they get paid doesn't mean squat. (Many people will tell you that this is crucial...that is hogwash...how someone gets paid does not instill them with morality or knowledge...Bernie Madoff got paid by fees)

If they have the same relgion or belong to the same social group as you...doesn't mean squat.

You want someone with experience, expertise in the area you need help with and education. Youw want someone you can sit and talk with...not someone who talks down to you or uses lots of terminology to confuse you. Be smart...take the time and interview a few folks. Find one you wouldn't mind having dinner with. Done right you are entering a long term relationship...you want to be a client...not a customer.

 

[ItalianScallion]

With something as important as this why on Earth would you trust the opinions of anonymous internet posters? (I don't understand this...someone on here a couple weeks ago was asking the same questions about a mortgage!) Your are talking about your entire future...not a washer/dryer or cell phone.
As with any referral you are looking for, talk to your friends, family, co-workers...then pick 2-4 people to interview.
You want someone with experience, expertise in the area you need help with and education. Youw want someone you can sit and talk with...not someone who talks down to you or uses lots of terminology to confuse you. Be smart...take the time and interview a few folks. Find one you wouldn't mind having dinner with. Done right you are entering a long term relationship...you want to be a client...not a customer.

By the same token, why then should they listen to you?

The point of asking here is to get a "feel" for different possibilities. Most people who reply here are genuine in their attempt to help the OP. Ultimately it's up to the OP to do his homework by interviewing various firms or people. :lightenupdude:

 

[bulldog]

By the same token, why then should they listen to you?

The point of asking here is to get a "feel" for different possibilities. Most people who reply here are genuine in their attempt to help the OP. Ultimately it's up to the OP to do his homework by interviewing various firms or people. :lightenupdude:

^^^This^^^

Tommy seems to say, why in the hell would you listen to them, but hey, listen to me.

 

[FromTexas]

I concur with Edward Jones primarily. Fidelity also has a good rep if you want to interview their folks because you can't find an Edward Jones rep you like.

 

[JustStoppingBy]

Thanks, everyone, for your opinions and suggestions!

(Well, almost everyone )