Duterte asks US not to store weapons in Philippine camps

BC-PA--Pennsylvania News Digest, PA

<p>As you&#8217;re gearing up to get your taxes done and follow through with those financial goals you set for the new year, you might need some help sorting it all out.</p><p>But if you hire a financial planner, it pays to make sure you know what kind of assistance you need and who&#8217;s helping you.</p><p>Financial planners can come from all different backgrounds and can be certified by different organizations. It&#8217;s important to do your research to make sure the certifying organization is legitimate and the person in question is in good standing with that organization.</p><p>The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website offers some helpful advice for those looking for a financial planner online here: <a href="http://bit.ly/2ka8iXZ" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/2ka8iXZ</a>.</p><p>There are several different kinds of certifications a financial planner could acquire, including Certified Financial Planner (CFP), considered the gold standard for those in the field; Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA); Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) and many, many others. It&#8217;s important to figure out what each designation means, how a person gets certified, whether the title requires continuing education and how the organization keeps tabs on those who are certified.</p><p>The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority website has an extensive list of financial industry titles you can research and compare online here: <a href="http://bit.ly/2jdbDX2" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/2jdbDX2</a>.</p><p>Another question to ask your potential financial planner: How do you get paid? There are a few ways financial planners make their money: fee-only, commission-based or fee-based. Fee-only is an agreed-upon fixed and flat rate you pay. Commission-based payment is when a financial planner gets a percentage of sales from products sold via financial service companies. Fee-based payment can include a mix of commission and a fee structure.</p><p>The important thing to consider is what kind of payment upholds the &#8220;fiduciary standard,&#8221; meaning the planner must choose what is best for his or her client. Another standard in the field, the &#8220;suitability rule,&#8221; only requires planners to recommend what is suitable for the client based on the client&#8217;s background. What is considered suitable may not always be in a client&#8217;s best financial interest and can be a conflict of interest for financial professionals.</p><p>Remember &#8212; it&#8217;s your money and your future at stake here. Taking the time to learn about who is handling your finances will only benefit you in the long run.</p><style>
.neFileBlock {
	margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.neFileBlock p {
	margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px;
}
.neFileBlock .neFile {
	border-bottom: 1px dotted #aaa;
	padding-bottom: 5px;
	padding-top: 10px;
}
.neFileBlock .neCaption {
	font-size: 85%;
}
</style>
<div class='neFileBlock'>
<div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_calculator-385506_960_720.jpg">
<div class="neCaption"></div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/web1_calculator-385506_960_720.jpg</photo0><caption0></caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>Consumer Watchdog</p><p>Sarah Hite Hando</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Sarah Hite Hando is the Times Leader business editor. Reach her at 570-704-3945 or shando@www.timesleader.com.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Consumer Watchdog: Learn more about who is planning your finances