How to Choose the Right Money Manager

Introduction

You’ve got financial goals, but you don’t necessarily have the time, interest or expertise to reach them on your own. Both your goals and the people you choose to help you reach them can have a profound effect on your financial future.

There’s no shortage of people who are ready, willing and (at least in their view) able to manage your money. Many of them advertise and probably call you, too. Your friends, colleagues and even your employer may recommend them. But deciding whether to manage your own investments or use the services of a professional is difficult.

Many investment professionals are honest, hardworking and competent, but others aren’t. There are crooks and incompetent money managers. They can be as persuasive—if not more so—than the honest, qualified ones.

How do you weed out the clearly bad ones and find the right one for you?

Finding the right money manager takes work. You must uncover and review a great deal of information, both about yourself and about the managers and firms you consider. There is no “easy” way, but there is a better way. Structuring your search will help keep you on track, keep you from feeling overwhelmed and give you the framework for making an intelligent, unemotional decision. And it should be one you’re comfortable with for decades.

Fisher Investments has developed this guide to lead you through the process. It’s a comprehensive, clear way to organize your thoughts and is designed to help demystify the process of choosing a money manager.