Are you thinking about your financial future and how to make the most of your money? If the answer is yes, it may be time to consider the benefits of wealth management. Careful wealth management can impact the preservation and growth of your assets and financial future.

Selecting the best wealth management firm for your financial needs is an important decision. You want a wealth manager who will partner with you for the years ahead.

If you’re wondering how to choose the right firm for your particular needs, we have some ideas that may help. Here are 7 tips for choosing the best wealth management firm.

1. Know the Type of Clients They Serve

Most wealth management firms cater to individuals who have a strong portfolio of assets. But all wealth managers are not the same.

Some wealth managers may prefer clients who have $50,000 to $500,000 in assets, while others prefer to work with very wealthy clients.

All investors are different. Consider your needs and whether the wealth management firm can assist with your personal financial goals.

Ask about the types of clients they serve to see where their expertise lies and whether their services fit your needs.

2. Look for Experience in Wealth Management

You’ve worked hard for your money. Putting it in someone else’s hands requires a great deal of trust.

Although there are plenty of financial advisors on the market today, they’re definitely not all the same. Don’t take the risk of choosing a company with a less than stellar reputation.

A new wealth management company is bound to make its fair share of mistakes as they grow. You don’t want to be one of those mistakes.

Put your money and your trust in the hands of seasoned professionals. Look for a wealth management firm with years of experience and a solid reputation in the industry.

3. Consider How They Make Their Money

A wealth manager is there to help you grow your wealth, but they don’t work for free. Normally, wealth managers make their money by charging a commission for products they sell or by assigning fees for specific services they provide.

Make sure you hire a firm that’s invested in seeing your portfolio grow. A great wealth management firm will tailor their services to suit your financial needs and objectives.

If you’re not interested in hearing a sales pitch each time you meet with your wealth manager, consider hiring a fee-only advisor. You want to avoid a wealth advisor whose main objective is pushing products you don’t need.

What matters most is that you see value in what you’re paying for. If you’re spending a lot on fees, make sure the growth you’re seeing in your portfolio is worth this added expense.

4. Ask How They Will Help You

Take the time to investigate how a wealth management firm serves its typical clients. Understanding their basic client service model is a good first step in determining what you can expect.

If the service you’re expecting isn’t part of their day-to-day service model, talk to them about your needs. You may need to look elsewhere for the financial services you’re looking for.

Find out how accessible your advisor will be and how many clients they typically serve at one time. Above all, your advisor should take an interest in your personal financial goals and how they can help you maintain, grow, and invest your wealth for the future.

5. Managing Investments vs Managing Wealth

There’s a clear difference between investment management and wealth management. While investment management revolves around asset allocation and returns, wealth management takes a more holistic approach.

Wealth management focuses on smart investing as well as long-term wealth preservation, growth, and wealth transfer. The goal is not just what you can make from quarter to quarter but what you can grow over the long term.

Many families choose to stay with a wealth management firm year after year. You want a wealth manager who understands you and tailors their services to fit your needs and financial goals.

6. Question the Breadth of Their Services

Your wealth management needs today may be very different than they’ll be one year, five years, or 10 years from now. That’s why it’s important to consider the full range of services your wealth manager offers.

A firm that provides a broad scale of wealth management capabilities may be necessary as your financial picture changes over time. You want a wealth management firm that handles traditional investment options but is also flexible in its services.

Consider a firm that’s experienced in fiduciary matters, real estate, tax-efficient strategies, wealth transfer, and other relevant services. Not all wealth management firms have a wide breadth of options.

Consider whether the firm you choose meets your current and future financial needs.

7. Understand the Company Culture

One last consideration for choosing a wealth management firm is the culture. Consider the company culture and whether it’s a good fit for you. Some points to consider include:

• Do their investment philosophies align with yours?
• Have they taken the time to understand your business, goals, and aspirations?
• Do they understand your current financial picture and your vision for the future?
• Are they invested in seeing you reach your financial goals?
• Are you getting what you need or submitting to what they offer?

Although these are not simple yes or no answers, these questions can help you assess whether a wealth management firm is a good fit for your needs.

Find the Best Wealth Management Firm

If you’ve ever wondered what wealth management is and whether it’s right for you, it’s probably a good time to consider it. The best wealth management firm is one that meets your current and future financial needs.

The firm you choose could have a profound influence on your future wealth and security. So, when it comes to choosing a wealth management firm, choose wisely.

If you’re thinking it’s time to hire a financial advisor, we’d love to talk with you about your financial goals.

Sara Bay Financial is an independent firm. We aren’t associated with any other company or financial products. Our sole focus is on providing the best possible financial advice and investment options for our clients.

Contact us today to learn more.