Financial Advisor in Columbus, GA. Your hard-earned money deserves attention, and you need to be secure about how it's being managed and how it's being used. Many Columbus residents do not have the financial literacy to feel like they can handle their investments and finances by themselves, while others simply don't have the time or interest to stay informed on market trends along with new laws, regulations, and global events. That's when you should consider hiring a reliable, experienced, and knowledgeable financial advisor. A Correct Capital financial advisor in Columbus, GA will help your finances grow. We employ in-depth research along with our decades of experience to create personalized financial solutions for individuals, families, and businesses in Columbus, GA and beyond. Speak to a team member today at 877-930-4015 or contact us online to see if Correct Capital is a good fit for you.
Uncertain if you're ready to hire a financial advisor in Columbus, GA? Take a look at our process page to discover how straightforward we make it to find out if we would make a good team.
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Correct Capital Wealth Management's office is physically located in St. Louis, MO, but we serve clients throughout the United States in both personal financial planning and corporate retirement plans.
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A 2018 study by FINRA reported that 53 percent of American adults are worried about their finances. A source of that anxiety is commonly simply not being sure they're putting their money in the right places. After our Columbus, GA financial advisor team gets to know you, your finances and your financial goals, we'll create a road map to help you realize them. As a fiduciary and an independent firm, your Correct Capital financial advisor is legally and ethically compelled to act in your best interest and we are not limited in the solutions we can offer you. Our financial advisors in Columbus, GA have certifications that can only be awarded through exhaustive testing and by meeting stringent education requirements.
What Is a Financial Advisor?
A financial advisor is a professional who assists individuals manage their money, budget, save, and prepare for their financial future. This role includes a spectrum of services, from investment management and retirement planning to tax planning and estate planning. The primary goal of a financial advisor is to help individuals and organizations reach their financial objectives by creating strategies that align with their risk tolerance, financial situation, and long-term goals. While technically anyone can be called a financial advisor or financial planner, credible and professional advisors will have accreditations from organizations such as FINRA and the CFP Board that signify their experience and education.
Types of Financial Advisors in Columbus, GA
Financial advisors can work and market themselves under different titles:
- Investment Advisors or Portfolio Managers: These advisors offer advice on securities and oversee investment portfolios. They often work in RIAs and are required to act in a fiduciary capacity, meaning they always have the client's best interest at heart. Portfolio managers are certified with either the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or state regulators, depending on the assets under management.
- Broker-Dealers and Brokers: Broker-dealers trade securities like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds on behalf of their clients or for themselves. They must be registered by the SEC and are usually members of FINRA. The financial products they can sell are determined by their specific licenses, such as Series 6 or Series 7. For instance, an advisor who has a Series 7 license represents general securities, including mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professionals (CFPs): Professionals holding the CFP certification have undergone extensive education and uphold high ethical standards, including a fiduciary duty to the people whose assets they help manage. CFPs provide a broad range of financial advisory services, such as managing debt to planning for retirement, and tax optimization strategies. Their approach is all-encompassing, aiming to satisfy all aspects of a client's financial life.
- Financial Consultants: This term can apply broadly, but chartered financial consultants (ChFCs) have completed training comparable with CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professionals and are also required to hold their clients' interests above their own. They focus on providing comprehensive financial advice, encompassing everything from investment management to tax advice, ensuring that customers' financial goals are achieved through the highest ethical standards.
- Financial Coaches: Are dedicated to enhancing clients' financial literacy, assisting with basics such as saving money and budgeting. They are perfect for clients who might not have the financial resources to hire a financial advisor just yet. Financial coaching offers a strong basis for handling personal finances effectively, especially for those in the early stages of financial planning.
- Wealth Managers: Serve high-net-worth individuals, offering extensive services that include estate planning, tax help, and investment management. They collaborate intimately with their clients to handle complex financial situations and implement wealth preservation strategies. Their expertise is focused on maximizing the financial health and legacy of affluent clients, ensuring that all investments and planning strategies meet personalized advice and solutions.
Each type of financial advisor provides unique expertise and services to the table. At Correct Capital, our team of advisors includes CFPs and other qualified professionals who uphold the highest standards of fiduciary responsibility and personalized service, making sure that we act solely in the best interest of our clients across all our engagements.
What Does a Financial Advisor Do?
A financial advisor will evaluate your current finances, ascertain ways to enhance it, and help you reach your long-term financial goals. Many Columbus, GA residents often immediately think of investing when they think of wealth management services and financial advisors. While that is a fundamental aspect of any financial plan, a certified financial advisor will be able to offer you all-encompassing financial advice that takes into consideration the entirety of your finances. The following are some of the services your Correct Capital financial advisor in Columbus, GA will implement in order to help you realize your goals.
- Financial Planning
Our finances are a part of almost anything we do, from making sure we're set up in retirement, to paying for college, buying and/or selling a home, deciding on insurance policies, and putting food on the table each night. The best financial advisors in Columbus, GA offer holistic services and personalized advice by taking into account your entire financial situation.
- Tax Planning
Tax considerations play a role in nearly every financial transaction and transfer. According to the IRS's own data, more than 70 percent of Americans pay more than necessary in taxes every year. The United States tax code is incredibly complicated, yet it allows for perfectly legal ways to lower your taxes. A professional and trustworthy Columbus, GA financial advisor will assist you in navigating your tax implications in the interest of keeping more money in your hands than in Uncle Sam's.
- Portfolio Management and Asset Management
Your financial portfolio is the aggregation of your financial assets. They can include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), cash equivalents, or other investments such as art. A financial advisor in Columbus, GA will assist in allocating and diversify your assets in order to mitigate risk and optimally position your money for growth.
- Retirement Planning
Depending on where you currently are in life and the kind of life you want to live when you retire, your Columbus, GA financial advisor will assist with tax planning, considering the optimal time to retire, when to withdraw money and how much to take out. A financial advisor will help you formulate a budget and plan for source of income in retirement so you can live out your golden years exactly the way you want to.
- 401(k) Services
We offer 401(k) services to individuals and families as well as Columbus, GA businesses and business owners. Setting up a 401(k) plan is a fantastic way to maintain your best employees and keep them satisfied and happy. Our retirement consultants represent over $218 million in plan assets and numerous of plan participants nationwide. Our Columbus, GA financial advisor team offers extensive 401(k) planning for companies as well as customized benefits for their employees.
- 401(k) Rollover
When starting a new job, it can be challenging to know the best way to deal with the money you've already saved in a previous Columbus, GA employer's 401(k) plan. You have a number of options, such as keeping the money in the account it is in now, moving it to a new 401(k), or investing the money in one of a variety of IRA accounts. A financial advisor will be skilled in how to best navigate managing your 401(k) funds.
- Generational Wealth Transfers
You strive for your money, and it's normal to desire to leave a legacy and bequeath some wealth to the people you care about the dearly. Wealth transfers are distinct from merely leaving gifts behind in estate planning. A financial advisor in Columbus, GA can optimize your money for not only your children but for future generations to come, even ones you haven't met yet.
- Fiduciary Advising
Anyone can give themselves the title of "financial advisor," so it's imperative to choose one who has obtained accreditations and certifications from regulatory boards such as the CFP Board, Fi360, InFRE, and FINRA. As fiduciary advisors and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™™ professionals, your Columbus, GA financial advisor at Correct Capital must follow a "Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct" to:
- Act with honesty, integrity, competence, and diligence.
- Act in the client's best interest.
- Exercise due care.
- Avoid conflicts of interest, disclose them when they arise, and manage them in the client's best interest.
- Maintain confidentiality and protect the privacy of client information.
- Act in a manner that reflects positively on the financial planning profession and CFP® certification.
- Debt Management
Financial advisors offer tailored debt management plans that focus on consolidating debt, securing lower interest rates if feasible, and structuring repayments. The goal is to create a workable path forward that matches your financial situation and goals, eventually leading to financial freedom.
- Budgeting
Creating and sticking to a budget is essential to achieving financial health and goals. Financial advisors in Columbus, GA can assist clients grasp their cash flow, spot areas for savings, and set realistic spending limits that encourage growing your wealth. By providing tools and strategies for successful budgeting, advisors ensure that clients can meet their current financial obligations while also saving for future goals.
When you hire a Columbus, GA financial advisor at Correct Capital, we begin by getting to know you personally and your objectives. We will assess your current income, assets, investments, debts, and expenses. Once we've done that, we'll work in concert with you to ascertain your preferred risk tolerance and how we can best help you realize your goals. As an independent advisory firm, our only responsibility is to act in your best interest. There is no limitation to the services, products, and investment opportunities our financial advisor team can put forward, and we will never try to sell you on something we do not believe in ourselves.
When Should I Consider Hiring a Financial Advisor in Columbus, GA?
Seeking the guidance of a financial advisor can be a key step towards achieving financial health, peace of mind, and wealth. While the ideal moment can vary widely from person to person, certain life events and circumstances often suggest the need for professional financial advice.
- Major Life Transitions: Life is a series of transitions, and many of them have significant financial implications. Whether you're buying a home or facing retirement, these milestones can significantly affect how your money should be used and invested. A financial advisor can help you manage these changes, ensuring that your financial plan evolves to meet your evolving situation and goals.
- Lack of Experience, Time, Knowledge, or Interest to Manage Your Finances By Yourself: Managing personal finances can be complex, time-consuming, and, frankly, daunting for many. If you aren't confident to successfully manage your investments, or simply prefer to spend your energy on other pursuits, a financial advisor can be essential. They bring insight and wisdom to your financial decisions, aiding to optimize your portfolio, avoid costly mistakes, and set up your investments for long-term growth.
- Nearing Retirement: Retirement planning is one of the most common reasons individuals seek out financial advice. An advisor can assist you assess your current financial situation, determine your retirement needs, and formulate a plan to ensure you can experience your retirement years comfortably. This includes strategies for Social Security benefits, pension management, and withdrawal plans from retirement accounts.
- Complex Financial Products: The financial market offers a myriad of investment options, many of which come with their own set of complexities. If you're considering investments in complex financial products—such as derivatives, alternative investments, or tax-optimized strategies—an advisor's insight can be crucial. They can assist you understand the risks and benefits, ensuring that any investment fits your overall financial strategy and goals.
Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor Before Hiring Them
Trust is paramount whenever you hire someone to do something, but especially so when it involves your finances. In addition to finding a reliable advisor, you need one whose specialties align with your needs. It's important to inquire properly during your initial meetings. Here are key questions to consider:
- What is your experience in the financial advisory field?
Understanding an advisor's track record, including their time spent in the industry, the kinds of clients they've collaborated with, and their areas of expertise, can offer you a sense of their skills and whether they're well-suited to manage your specific financial circumstances.
- What are your qualifications and certifications?
Ask them to mention any qualifications (e.g., CFP®, CFA, ChFC) the advisor has earned. These accreditations often require meeting strict education, experience, and ethical standards, signifying a high level of competence and expertise.
- What is your investment philosophy?
An advisor's investment philosophy should match your risk tolerance and financial goals. Whether they favor a conservative approach with a focus on long-term growth or a more aggressive strategy, their philosophy should resonate with your aspirations and expectations.
- How do you usually communicate with clients?
Communication style and regularity are vital to a successful client-advisor relationship. Ask about how often you'll have meetings, whether they'll be face-to-face or online, and how the advisor intends to keep you updated about your investments and financial plan.
- How are you compensated for your services?
Advisors can be either get money from fees/a percentage of your assets, commission from selling financial products, or a combination thereof. Understanding how an advisor is compensated will help you identify potential biases and guarantee that their recommendations are made with your best interests in mind.
- Are you a fiduciary financial advisor?
Confirming that an advisor acts as a fiduciary is crucial. This means they are bound by law to put your interests ahead of their own, giving advice that best serves your financial goals and needs.
- What services do you offer beyond investment management?
Many advisors provide comprehensive financial planning services, including retirement planning, tax strategies, estate planning, and more. Additionally, some financial advisory firms offer more in the way of client education and portfolio reviews. Grasping the full scope of services offered can assist you in determining whether the advisor can meet all your financial needs.
- How do you handle conflicts of interest?
An honest advisor will transparently share potential conflicts of interest and how they address them to ensure they don't adversely affect their clients' financial plans. Fiduciary advisors must disclose conflicts of interest, and are required to manage them in their client's best interest.
Asking these questions will not only give essential information about the financial advisor's qualifications and approach but also help you gauge whether there is a good personal fit. Remember, a strong relationship with your financial advisor is built on transparency, trust, and mutual understanding.
You can find many of these questions answered on our FAQ page.
How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost in Columbus, GA?
In general, there are three common ways for financial advisors to be compensated:
- Commission-Based: Advisors who earn through commissions earn their income through commissions on the products they sell, such as other financial products. This fee structure can create a possible conflict, as the advisor might be incentivized to suggest products that generate higher commissions rather than those that are most suited to your financial goals. Commission-based advisors are typically held to the suitability standard as opposed to the fiduciary standard, which means they have to recommend products that can aid in achieving your goals, but not necessarily the ones best suited to your needs.
- Fee-Only: Advisors on a fee-only basis are compensated straightforwardly by clients for the guidance and assistance they provide and do not receive any commissions from product sales. This compensation can take various shapes, including a percentage of the assets under management (AUM). This model is often seen as more transparent and in line with the client's best interests, as it reduces conflicts of interest related to product sales.
- Fee-Based: Fee-based advisors use a combination of fees paid by the client and commissions from selling financial products. While this model offers a mix of the fee-only and commission-based structures, such advisors typically also have a fiduciary duty, which means that although they get commission from certain products, they must reveal this to the client and cannot recommend those products unless they sincerely believe they are in the client's best interests.
Correct Capital's Financial Advisory Services in Columbus, GA
Correct Capital is distinguished in the Columbus, GA financial advisory landscape for its bespoke approach to wealth management and financial planning. Understanding that not all clients have the same starting point or identical goals, we offer a variety of service models to our clients in Columbus, GA:
One-Time Financial Plan (best for validators)
This service model is ideal for those who are looking for the insights and advice a financial advisor can offer without the continuous oversight. This service is great for individuals who are generally confident in managing their finances but are looking for professional validation to ensure they're on the right track. Our team conducts a thorough review of your financial landscape, providing you with a detailed plan that tackles your specific goals, concerns, and growth opportunities.
Subscription (best for collaborators)
Our subscription service caters to individuals who appreciate ongoing guidance and advice as their financial situation changes, or when they have specific questions about something related to their finances. This model offers monthly insights from our financial advisors, quarterly meetings, and availability on an as-needed basis. While we will not be managing your portfolio, we'll strive to look for opportunities to help you save and grow your wealth.
Wealth Management (best for delegators)
Our wealth management service model is for clients who prefer to delegate the management of their investments and financial planning to professionals. This includes active investment management, comprehensive financial strategizing, and proactive advice on a wide range of financial matters — from tax planning and preparing for retirement to estate planning and beyond. Our wealth management clients enjoy a sense of security, knowing that every aspect of their financial well-being is being carefully managed by a dedicated team of professionals committed to maximizing their wealth and achieving their long-term goals.
Why Choose Correct Capital as Your Columbus, GA Financial Advisor?
Correct Capital is a leading choice for individuals and families in Columbus, GA looking for reliable, expert financial guidance. Here's why choosing Correct Capital can make a significant difference in your financial journey:
- We're Fiduciary Advisors: As fiduciaries, Correct Capital are legally obligated to act in your best interests. This commitment ensures that each piece of advice, each investment recommendation, and each strategic move we make on your behalf is done in a way that aligns most closely with your goals.
- Our I.O.U. Promise: All the advice we offer is independent, objective, and unbiased. Our independence signifies we are not tied to any financial institution or product, enabling us the freedom to choose the best investments and strategies for you.
- Professional Credentials: We are a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), which allows us access to a wide variety of investment solutions and research. Our advisor team includes a couple of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals, an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®), an Enrolled Agent, and a CPA. Additionally, our retirement consultants and financial portfolio managers have over 100 years of combined experience.
- We Are Proactive: Our advisors believe that the most valuable way to create long-term financial security is to anticipate trends and lead, rather than follow. Utilizing in-depth research and analytics, we prepare the most appropriate strategy for your needs.
- Ongoing Education and Resources: We offer at Correct Capital quarterly webinars and workshops aimed at keeping you up-to-date and engaged with your financial health. Our dedication to client education guarantees that you are fully prepared to make informed decisions alongside your advisor.
Choosing Correct Capital as your financial advisor in Columbus, GA means partnering with a team committed to your financial success. Our expertise, fiduciary commitment, and personalized approach to financial planning and investment management make us the ideal partner for individuals and families looking to achieve their financial goals and secure their future.
Other services we offer in Columbus, GA include:
- 401(k) Audit
- High-Net-Worth Wealth Management
- Retirement Planner
- Financial Planning
- Retirement Plan Consultants
- Fiduciary Financial Advisor
Call Correct Capital's Columbus, GA Financial Advisor Team Today
The decisions you make about your finances and the decisions you make with it are deeply personal. At Correct Capital, we firmly believe in the relationship between an individual, family, or business owner in Columbus, GA and their financial advisor is founded on mutual trust. Dedicating our lives to helping our clients achieve their personal and financial goals, be it funding higher education for your children or making the dream purchase of that dream car in retirement. Contact our Columbus, GA financial advisor team today at 877-930-4015 or get in touch with us online to begin growing your wealth in the manner you desire.
