One time sit down with a financial planner? (social security, state, relative)

[MsMaeMae]

I have some questions about Social Security specific to my husband’s current job situation and possibly filing early at 63. I have never used a financial planner and only want a one time sit down to clear up some questions. Any suggestions for how to find someone? And what should I expect for the cost?

[VTsnowbird]

When I was newly widowed I needed some advice. Luckily my local bank had a trust department; I sat down with a very nice woman who went over all my financial info and gave me good advice, for free. At the time I was being pressured by one of my financial (IRA) providers to change some annuities I had to their company. She showed me how I was better off leaving them where they were.

[eliza61nyc]

Do you have one that you use already? Most FP's want to at least get a look at your entire financial picture so not sure you would find one willing to invest that time with you only to answer some SS questions.
Also you would have to find one who is up on all the ins and out of Social security, that may take longer than one meet and great.

[House4kids]

What about making an appointment with Social Security?

[MsMaeMae]

Thanks for the advice about trying our bank. I had not thought of that.
As far as talking to SS, what I am looking for is partly information, but also advice. I don’t think they would provide the advice part.

[rjm1cc]

You are correct that SS can not offer advice. You may also get incorrect info. BUT if the office is close by stop in and learn whatever you can then see the advisor. You might also be able to get the info over the phone or on their web site.

Banks can be high cost options if you buy product through them or related planers they recommend so be careful.

Try https://www.garrettplanningnetwork.com/ to find a one time planner. Never used but their name has come up favorably several times. Do a web search for reputation.


A CPA maybe able to help. They do work on an hourly basis. Some are certified for financial planning. Be sure to ask if they know SS as they may not practice in this area. This site should help you find one. https://www.aicpa.org/interestareas/...lplanning.html

[mathjak107]

Cpa’s Area of expertise is corporate auditing .they are usually the worst people to go to for financial planning .most know very little about retirement tax planning as well. As cpa’s It just is not what they do.

Our financial planner works with an estate attorney / elder law attorney and a tax attorney where needed .

[MI-Roger]

I can't see how one visit will be enough to receive the needed advice. Plan on three visits.

First visit:
Meet and greet. Explain your needs. Receive a list of information you need to provide to the Planner for them to deliver the desired services.

Second Visit:
Deliver the information and answer additional questions relative to your needs and desires.

Third Visit:
Receive and review the detailed plan prepared for you.

If your finances are simple, meaning few accounts, and you are highly informed as to their location and status, maybe it can be done in two visits.

[teakboat]

You want someone to sell you an annuity, insurance, muni bonds, or a mutual fund? Cause a financial planner will be more than happy to meet with ya.

[volosong]

Originally Posted by rjm1cc

Try https://www.garrettplanningnetwork.com/ to find a one time planner. Never used but their name has come up favorably several times. Do a web search for reputation.

Also seek a fee-only financial planner at: https://www.napfa.org/

They earn their income from a check you will write to them for their time and advice, not from commissions on products that they want to sell to you.