• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

  • About
  • Liz’s Books
  • Speaking
  • Disclosure
  • Contact

Liz Weston

Q&A: Finding a financial planner

June 3, 2019 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: Your column on delaying Social Security suggests using a certified financial planner on an hourly basis to review one’s retirement plans. I have struggled to find one who charges this way. They almost all want to control your money for a fee. The one I found after some effort charges $500 to $600 an hour. Please make some recommendations. I don’t mind if the CFP is not local. I just want someone who is certified, reputable, with a reasonable hourly fee.

Answer: There are a growing number of options for people who want “advice only” financial planning from a fee-only, fiduciary advisor:

XY Planning Network is a network of planners who offer flat monthly fees in addition to any other options, including hourly or assets-under-management fees. Monthly fees are typically $100 to $200, with some planners requiring an initial or setup fee of $1,000 to $2,000.

Garrett Planning Network represents planners willing to charge by the hour, although many also manage assets for a fee. Members are either certified financial planners, on track to get the designation or certified public accountants who have the personal financial specialist credential, which is similar to the CFP. Hourly fees typically range from $150 to $300, with a consultation on one topic such as Social Security-claiming strategies or a portfolio typically taking two or three hours. A comprehensive financial plan may require 20 hours or more.

Advice-Only Financial is a service started by financial blogger Harry Sit to connect people with fee-only advisors who just charge for advice and don’t accept asset management fees. Sit charges $200 to help people find fiduciary CFPs who are either local or willing to work remotely. The planners typically charge $100 to $400 an hour.

Another option for those who don’t have complex needs would be an accredited financial counselor or financial fitness coach. Those in private practice typically charge $100 to $150 an hour, although many work on a sliding scale, said Rebecca Wiggins, executive director of the Assn. for Financial Counseling & Planning Education.

Filed Under: Financial Advisors, Q&A, Retirement Tagged With: fee-only planner, financial planner, q&a, Retirement, Social Security

Friday’s need-to-know money news

May 31, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Stressed to Pick the Best? Try ‘Good Enough’ money decisions instead. Also in the news: How to get your credit disaster-ready, 7 budgeting tips for every type of budgeter, and 9 money moves every new grad should make.

Stressed to Pick the Best? Try ‘Good Enough’ Money Decisions Instead
When good is good enough.

How to Get Your Credit Disaster-Ready
Be ready for emergencies.

7 Budgeting Tips for Every Type of Budgeter
Finding the right approach.

9 Money Moves Every New Grad Should Make
Welcome to the beginning of your financial life.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: college graduates, Credit, disaster prep, money decisions, money moves

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

May 30, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to extend your (working) life. Also in the news: Renaming your budget, growing your garden with only a little green, and why you should check your investment portfolio once a month.

How to Extend Your (Working) Life
Preparing to work past retirement age.

If ‘Budget’ Sounds Like a Bummer, Try Renaming It
Whatever helps you stay on track.

Grow Your Garden With Only a Little Green
It could save you money at the grocery store.

Check Your Investment Portfolio Once a Month
Ignorance isn’t bliss.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: budgets, gardening, investment portfolio, Retirement, tips, working past retirement

How to extend your (working) life

May 30, 2019 By Liz Weston

Many people plan to work past normal retirement age, by choice or necessity. But most aren’t taking the steps that could increase the odds they’ll be able to do so.

When asked what they’re doing to ensure they can continue working past 65, fewer than half of employees polled in the 2019 Transamerica Retirement Survey of Workers say they’re trying to stay healthy. Similar numbers cited performing well in their current positions (43%) or keeping their job skills up to date (40%). More than 1 in 4 say they aren’t doing anything to ensure they remain employed longer. In my latest for the Associated Press, why the workers of the world need to wake up.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Retirement, retirement savings, working

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

May 29, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to get your credit disaster-ready. Also in the news: Watch your credit card rewards pile up with these 5 tips, comparing your 401(k) to the average, and what to know about buy now, pay later online loans.

How to Get Your Credit Disaster-Ready
Be financially secure when disaster strikes.

Watch Your Credit Card Rewards Pile Up With These 5 Tips
Stacking strategies.

How Does Your 401(k) Compare to Average?
How your company’s plan stacks up to the competition.

What to Know About Buy Now, Pay Later Online Loans
Pay attention to the fine print.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: 401(k), Credit, credit card rewards, Credit Cards, disasters, online loans, shopping, tips

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

May 28, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: What you need to know about student loan deferment. Also in the news: How to pass a smog test, exposing your data for better credit, and the best rewards credit cards of 2019.

Student Loan Deferment: What It Is and Who May Benefit
Putting your payments on hold.

How to Pass a Smog Test — And What to Do If Your Car Fails
Don’t panic.

Should you risk exposing your data just for better credit?A tempting offer, but read the fine print.

The Best Rewards Credit Cards of 2019
Putting your spending to work.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Credit Score, Experian Boost, rewards credit cards, smog check, student loan deferment, Ultra FICO

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 316
  • Page 317
  • Page 318
  • Page 319
  • Page 320
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 782
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Search

Copyright © 2025 · Ask Liz Weston 2.0 On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in