Do you consult financial experts?

[Bruce Wayne]

The vast majority of Britons never seek professional advice on their finances, new research reveals.

While 60 per cent of people happily go to the doctor when concerned about their or others' health, when it comes to money problems or decisions fewer than one Briton in three heads to see an expert.

Do you consult an expert regarding your finances?

[PrincessPerky]

Umm I come here, arn't you guys experts?

[gakline]

I'm a Do-It-Yourselfer. I usually research enough and then if I open up a new account or have questions on an existing I'll call up the company. Fidelity has free planning.

[Ima saver]

No, I do it myself. I love this site, lots of smart people here. I started buying stocks thru the Edward Jones company and found I knew more that the guy running it. (he was new)Also, I know Edward Jones is expensive, but I live 100 miles out in the boonies and had no computer or computer knowledge.
I did a lot of reserch when I started investing in mutual funds in the 80's. I just stuck with low cost no load funds and have done pretty well. My main fund is Vanguard Index 500.

I like Vanguard Star too.

[katwoman]

We have a CPA who works out of his home. He's an elderly gentleman and used to work in a bank trust department. What I like about him is that he's old enough to have seen market trends and people's behavior so he can spot pitfalls.

While I don't use him to manage our money, I won't make a financial move without consulting him first. He takes into account the family and the financial picture. Very wise man.

Don't know what I will do when he passes.

[sweeps]

Originally Posted by katwoman

He takes into account the family and the financial picture.

This is a good point. People can get a lot of good general advice here and other places, but sometimes it makes sense to consult someone who knows your individual situation really well.

[34saving]

I might if I could find one I trusted . . .that hasn't happened so far . . .

[Ima saver]

If I used someone, it would be a fee only planner.

[contrary1]

I used a financial planner early on in my life.........seems like forever ago! As I look back, I don't think it was money well spent. I believe most of us have the smarts to make good decisions, we're all able to do great research these days and the net makes it easy for us to get plenty of other opinions.
I wouldn't do the financial planner route again, although I do seek advice from almost anyone. I figure the more info I have to run my situation through, the better. Info from accountants, tax people, realtor, etc. I have a great role model too in my mom.............I do run all major decisions through her without exception. (I usually run the little decisions through her too, we've become each others sounding board for most things these days)

[flash]

I consult my DH. He knows everything

I've consulted a CPA once, for a very large sum; in the end his input was nothing we didn't already know.

Financial PLANNERS, never. Our bank offers one to us free constantly. I'm sure there are some that are really excellent. But, when my SIL quit college and was hired as a secretary, she was rapidly promoted to "financial planner", with a few seminars as training. She's smart, but no way would I have entrusted her with my future.

[nanamom]

We had a financial planner come to give us his opinions once. He wanted 300.00 and then he told us how much we were "allowed" to spend on our kids birthday presents. He said I had to quit giving my sisters a present (I spend a couple bucks on them -literally never more than 5) He was shown the door thankfully before we gave him any money. i just talked to one about a college fund we need to set up. MIL is giving us a bit for DS#2 for college. He told me what i wanted and didn't listen to me at all. I'll stick with you guys and common sense. I must have learned something in the last several decades (I hope)

[dealsaver]

NO. I have better things to do with my money, like keeping it for myself.

[Snoopy2645]

NO WAY not a chance!!! I know what to do with my own money & it dont include giving it to these people!!!

[fiffer010]

Nope, learning from you guys.

[Bluezy]

I've acquired more knowledge and dependable first-hand recommendations from my friends on this specific forum than from a fee-only financial planner I consulted two (2) months ago. Therefore, I can state from experience to save your money on planners and post your questions on this forum.

Cheers, Bruce! Good to see your posts again