Financial Advisor in Fort Collins, CO. Your hard-earned money deserves attention, and you need to feel assured about how it's growing and how it's being used. A lot of Fort Collins residents lack the financial literacy to feel like they can handle their investments and finances by themselves, while others simply don't have the time or inclination to stay up to date on financial markets along with new laws, regulations, and global events. That's when you should consider hiring a dependable, seasoned, and knowledgeable financial advisor. A Correct Capital financial advisor in Fort Collins, CO will make your money work for you. We use in-depth research along with our decades of experience to create personalized financial solutions for individuals, families, and businesses in Fort Collins, CO and beyond. Reach out to us today at 877-930-4015 or contact us online to see if Correct Capital is a good fit for you.
Wondering if you're ready to work with a financial advisor in Fort Collins, CO? Take a look at our process page to discover how easy 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 concern is often simply not being sure they're managing their money correctly. Once our Fort Collins, CO financial advisor team gets to know you, your finances and your financial aims, we'll design a road map to help you achieve them. As a fiduciary and an independent firm, your Correct Capital financial advisor is obligated to act in your best interest and we are not limited in the solutions we can recommend. Our financial advisors in Fort Collins, CO have certifications that can only be gained through exhaustive testing and by meeting stringent education requirements.
What Is a Financial Advisor?
A financial advisor is a professional who provides advice on managing personal finances and investments. This role includes a variety of services, from investment management and retirement planning to tax planning and generational wealth transfers. 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 call themselves a financial advisor or financial planner, reliable and professional advisors will have accreditations from regulatory bodies such as FINRA and the CFP Board that can only be obtained through rigorous education and exams.
Types of Financial Advisors in Fort Collins, CO
Financial advisors can work and market themselves under different titles:
- Investment Advisors or Portfolio Managers: These professionals offer advice on securities and oversee investment portfolios. They're commonly associated with RIAs and are required to act in a fiduciary capacity, putting their clients' interests above their own. Investment advisors are registered with either the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or state regulators, depending on the size of the assets they manage.
- Broker-Dealers and Brokers: Broker-dealers trade securities like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds on behalf of their clients or for their own accounts. They must register with 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 example, someone who holds a Series 7 license represents general securities, such as mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professionals (CFPs): Professionals with the CFP designation have undergone extensive training and adhere to high ethical standards, particularly a fiduciary duty to their customers. CFPs offer a vast spectrum of financial advisory services, including managing debt to planning for retirement, and tax optimization strategies. Their methodology is comprehensive, aiming to satisfy every facet of a client's financial life.
- Financial Consultants: This term can be widely applied, but chartered financial consultants (ChFCs) have completed training similar to CFPs and are also required to hold their clients' interests above their own. Like CFPs, ChFCs focus on offering holistic financial advice, covering areas such as investment management to tax advice, ensuring that clients' financial goals are achieved through the highest ethical standards.
- Financial Coaches: Are dedicated to boosting clients' financial literacy, helping with fundamentals such as saving money and budgeting. They are perfect for clients who don't have the wealth to hire a financial advisor yet. Financial coaching offers a good starting point for handling personal finances effectively, especially for those in the early stages of financial planning.
- Wealth Managers: Help high-net-worth individuals, offering comprehensive services that encompass estate planning, tax help, and investment management. They collaborate intimately with their clients to handle complex financial situations and formulate wealth preservation strategies. Their skill set is geared towards optimizing the financial health and future of those with substantial assets, guaranteeing that every financial decision is aligned with customized advice and solutions.
Each type of financial advisor serves different needs, and the best choice depends on an individual's or organization's specific financial situation and goals. At Correct Capital, our group of advisors features CFPs and other qualified professionals who represent the highest standards of fiduciary responsibility and personalized service, guaranteeing that we act only 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, determine ways to improve it, and help you achieve your long-term financial goals. A lot of Fort Collins, CO residents commonly immediately think of investing when they consider wealth management services and financial advisors. While that is a core facet of any financial plan, an experienced financial advisor will be able to provide you with all-encompassing financial advice that gives consideration to the entirety of your finances. Below are some of the services your Correct Capital financial advisor in Fort Collins, CO will implement to help you accomplish your goals.
- Financial Planning
Our finances are integral to almost anything we do, from making sure we're set up in retirement, to paying for college, real estate deals, deciding on insurance policies, and making sure we have enough to eat every night. The best financial advisors in Fort Collins, CO offer comprehensive services and bespoke guidance by evaluating your entire financial situation.
- Tax Planning
Tax considerations play a role almost any time money is exchanged or used. According to the IRS's own data, more than 70 percent of Americans pay more than necessary in taxes each year. The United States tax code is notoriously complex, yet it allows for perfectly legal ways to minimize taxes owed. A professional and trustworthy Fort Collins, CO financial advisor will guide you through your tax implications in the interest of keeping more money in your own account.
- Portfolio Management and Asset Management
Your financial portfolio is the assembly of your financial assets. They can include equities, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), cash equivalents, or other investments such as real estate. A financial advisor in Fort Collins, CO will assist in allocating and diversify your assets to mitigate risk and optimally position your money for growth.
- Retirement Planning
Depending on where you currently are in life and your aspired lifestyle when you retire, your Fort Collins, CO financial advisor will help with tax planning, evaluating the best age to retire, when to withdraw money and how much to withdraw. A financial advisor will assist in formulating a budget and plan for source of income in retirement so you can spend your golden years just how you want to.
- 401(k) Services
We offer 401(k) services to individuals and families as well as Fort Collins, CO businesses and business owners. Setting up a 401(k) plan is a superb way to keep your best employees and keep them satisfied and happy. Our retirement consultants manage over $218 million in plan assets and hundreds of plan participants nationwide. Our Fort Collins, CO financial advisor team offers comprehensive 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 handle the money you've already saved in a previous Fort Collins, CO employer's 401(k) plan. You have multiple options, including keeping the money in the account it is in now, transferring it to a new 401(k), or putting the money in one of a variety of IRA accounts. A financial advisor will be skilled in how to best manage handling your 401(k) funds.
- Generational Wealth Transfers
You strive for your money, and it's common to wish to leave a legacy and leave some wealth to the people you care about the dearly. Wealth transfers are distinct from just leaving gifts behind in estate planning. A financial advisor in Fort Collins, CO can best position your money for both your children but for generations to come, even ones you haven't met yet.
- Fiduciary Advising
Anyone can call themselves a "financial advisor," so it's paramount 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 Fort Collins, CO financial advisor at Correct Capital must observe 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 personalized debt management plans that focus on managing debt, achieving lower interest rates where possible, and prioritizing repayments. The goal is to create a practical path forward that matches your financial capabilities and goals, eventually leading to financial freedom.
- Budgeting
Creating and sticking to a budget is crucial to achieving financial health and goals. Financial advisors in Fort Collins, CO can help clients understand how much money's coming in, spot areas to spend less, and set realistic spending limits that encourage growing your wealth. By providing tools and strategies for effective budgeting, advisors make sure that clients can fulfill their current financial obligations while also preparing for future goals.
When you hire a Fort Collins, CO financial advisor at Correct Capital, we begin by getting to know you and your goals. We will assess your current income, assets, investments, debts, and expenses. After we've completed that, we'll work in tandem with you to ascertain your preferred risk tolerance and how we can best help you grow your money. As an independent advisory firm, our only commitment is to act in your best interest. There is no limit to the services, products, and investment opportunities our financial advisor team can recommend, 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 Fort Collins, CO?
Seeking the advice of a financial advisor can be a critical step towards achieving financial health, peace of mind, and wealth. While the right time can vary widely from person to person, certain life events and circumstances often signal the need for expert financial advice.
- Major Life Transitions: Life is a series of changes, and many of them have major financial implications. Whether you're buying a home or changing careers, these milestones can dramatically affect your financial landscape. A financial advisor can assist you through these changes, ensuring that your financial plan grows to meet your changing circumstances and goals.
- Lack of Experience, Time, Knowledge, or Interest to Manage Your Finances Alone: Managing personal finances can be complicated, time-consuming, and, frankly, daunting for many. If you don't have the knowledge to effectively manage your investments, or simply prefer to focus your time on other pursuits, a financial advisor can be crucial. They bring expertise and perspective to your financial decisions, assisting to enhance 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 aid you review your current financial situation, determine your retirement needs, and craft a plan to ensure you can enjoy 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 knowledge can be crucial. They can assist you grasp the risks and benefits, ensuring that any investment matches your overall financial strategy and goals.
Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor Before Hiring Them
Trust is paramount when you're hiring someone for any service, but especially so when it comes to your hard-earned money. In addition to finding a reliable advisor, you need one who ideally suits your needs. It's important to ask the right questions during your initial meetings. Here are key questions to consider:
- What is your experience in the financial advisory field?
Understanding an advisor's background, including their years in the industry, the types of clients they've collaborated with, and their expert areas, can offer you a sense of their proficiency and whether they're equipped to manage your financial situation.
- What are your qualifications and certifications?
Ask them to mention any qualifications (e.g., CFP®, CFA, ChFC) the advisor holds. These accreditations often require fulfilling rigorous educational, experience, and ethical standards, indicating a high level of professionalism 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 dynamic strategy, their philosophy should reflect your aspirations and expectations.
- How do you usually communicate with clients?
Communication method and frequency are essential to a fruitful client-advisor relationship. Ask about how often you'll be able to meet with your advisor, whether they'll be in person or virtual, and how the advisor plans to keep you updated about your investments and financial plan.
- What's your fee structure?
Advisors can be fee-only, commission-based, or a combination thereof. Knowing how an advisor is compensated will assist you in identifying potential biases and ensure that their advice is given with your best interests in mind.
- Do you have a fiduciary duty to your clients?
Confirming that an advisor is a fiduciary is crucial. This means they are legally required to put your interests before their own, offering advice that optimally benefits your financial goals and needs.
- What services do you offer beyond investment management?
Many advisors provide holistic 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. Understanding the full scope of services offered can help you gauge 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 deal with them to ensure they don't negatively impact their clients' financial plans. Fiduciary advisors must reveal 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 assist you in determining 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 Fort Collins, CO?
In general, there are three common ways for financial advisors to be compensated:
- Commission-Based: Commission-based advisors make their earnings through commissions on the financial products they offer, such as other financial products. This fee structure can create a potential conflict of interest, as the advisor could be motivated to recommend options that generate higher commissions instead of those that are most suited to your financial goals. These advisors are typically held to the suitability standard as opposed to the fiduciary standard, which means they have to advise on products that can aid in achieving your goals, but not necessarily the ones most appropriate 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 several forms, including fixed fees assets under management (AUM). This model is often seen as more clear and aligned with the client's best interests, as it reduces conflicts of interest related to product sales.
- Fee-Based: Advisors with a fee-based approach use a combination of client-paid fees and commissions from selling financial products. While this model offers a mix of the fee-only and commission-based structures, such advisors generally also have a fiduciary duty, which means that although they get commission from certain products, they must disclose that information 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 Fort Collins, CO
Correct Capital stands out in the Fort Collins, CO 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 Fort Collins, CO:
One-Time Financial Plan (best for validators)
This service model is ideal for those who are seeking the insights and advice a financial advisor can offer without the ongoing management. This service is great for individuals who largely feel good about managing their finances but are looking for professional validation to ensure they're setting their money up for success in the best way. Our team conducts a thorough review of your financial landscape, supplying you with a detailed plan that addresses your specific goals, concerns, and growth opportunities.
Subscription (best for collaborators)
Our subscription service is designed for individuals who value consistent guidance and advice as their financial situation evolves, or when they have specific questions about taxes, investments, or other aspects of their finances. This model offers monthly updates from our financial advisors, quarterly meetings, and availability on an as-needed basis. While we will not manage your investments for you, we'll strive to look for opportunities to help you grow and save your wealth.
Wealth Management (best for delegators)
Our wealth management service model is for clients who choose to hand over the management of their investments and financial planning to professionals. This includes active investment management, strategic financial planning, and forward-looking guidance on a wide range of financial matters — from tax planning and preparing for retirement to estate considerations and beyond. Our wealth management clients enjoy peace of mind, knowing that every aspect of their financial well-being is being carefully managed by a dedicated team of professionals dedicated to maximizing their wealth and achieving their long-term goals.
Why Choose Correct Capital as Your Fort Collins, CO Financial Advisor?
Correct Capital is a leading choice for individuals and families in Fort Collins, CO seeking reliable, expert financial guidance. Here's why choosing Correct Capital can make a profound difference in your financial journey:
- We're Fiduciary Advisors: As fiduciaries, we are legally obligated to put your interests first. This commitment guarantees that every piece of advice, every investment recommendation, and every strategic decision we make on your behalf is done with your best interests in mind.
- Our I.O.U. Promise: All the advice we offer is independent, objective, and unbiased. Being independent means we are not tied to any financial institution or product, enabling us the freedom to select 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. Moreover, 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 stay ahead of trends and lead, rather than follow. Leveraging the latest data and software to analyze trends, we prepare the most appropriate strategy for your needs.
- Continuous Learning Opportunities: 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 ensures that you are well-equipped to make informed decisions together with your advisor.
Choosing Correct Capital as your financial advisor in Fort Collins, CO means joining forces with a team committed to your financial success. Our expertise, fiduciary commitment, and personalized approach to financial planning and investment management make us the perfect choice for individuals and families seeking to achieve their financial goals and secure their future.
Other services we offer in Fort Collins, CO include:
- 401(k) Audit
- High-Net-Worth Wealth Management
- Retirement Planner
- Financial Planning
- Retirement Plan Consultants
- Fiduciary Financial Advisor
- Self-Employed Retirement Plans
Call Correct Capital's Fort Collins, CO Financial Advisor Team Today
Your money and the decisions you make with it are deeply personal. At Correct Capital, we firmly believe in the relationship between a person, family, or entrepreneur in Fort Collins, CO and their financial advisor is based on trust. Committed to guiding our clients realize their financial and personal goals, be it sending your children to college or finally achieving the dream of owning that dream car during your retirement years. Contact our Fort Collins, CO financial advisor team today at 877-930-4015 or get in touch with us online to take the first step towards growing your wealth in the manner you desire.