Have you ever Googled something and either received a wrong answer or so many different answers that you are not sure which one is right for you? How do you know what to do? More often than not, we turn to a friend or a trusted advisor. However, in our increasingly digital world I am finding fewer people are investing in building their team. While online software and programs can be great resources and tools, nothing beats being able to call or email someone who knows you and your circumstances. Here is a list of some of my favorite personal team members.
Financial Advisor. A financial advisor is a financial professional that can help you achieve your financial goals. Good financial advisors often invest lots of time into getting to know you and what you hope to accomplish before they even begin making recommendations. There are a lot of different terms and certifications out there for financial advisors. Before choosing a financial advisor spend some time educating yourself of the different options.
CPA. A certified public accountant can do much more than prepare your taxes. You should be able to pick up your phone and ask your CPA what he or she thinks about a financial move you are planning. Ideally, your CPA will work closely with your financial advisor.
Attorney. A trusted attorney may help with your estate plan, starting a business, an issue with a neighbor, or many other things. Although attorneys often focus on a few areas of practice your attorney should be able to help you find other reputable attorneys to help with legal issues you may face that fall outside their practice area.
The key with all these individuals is to build long-term relationships based on trust. I always recommend visiting with a few different people before deciding to trust someone. It is important that you feel comfortable and confident in your choice.