My Simple Test for Financial Presenters

I regularly receive invitations to dinner financial seminars.   I usually do not attend since they are marketing events for the presenter.  However, I will attend seminars when the topic or product is of interest to me.   Over the past two months, I've attended financial seminars for the following topics: annuities, managed investment accounts and Social Security. 

While the presenter uses the seminar as opportunity establish personal contact, I use the seminar as an opportunity to evaluate the financial advisor and the products. Here is what I look for from a seminar presenter:

• Substance.  I want to hear about a new or better idea I can use personally, whether or not I work with the presenter.  Also, I want to learn about the reasons for the presenter's perspective or better idea.  I like a presenter that provides details about why they are making a recommendation so that I can evaluate the logic.
• Knowledge.  I like to ask a question  on a topic which I've researched to confirm my understanding.  I don't have an issue if the presenter disagreeing with me.  However, I will not work with an advisor who doesn't have more knowledge than me on a topic that is supposed to be an area of expertise.
• No Pressure.  I like to invest according to my own timing, not the presenter's timing.  I'm OK waiting until I'm comfortable, even if I miss some gains as the market continues to rise.

I only consider a few of the dinner financial seminars offered to me.  I will usually attend seminars from advisors I currently use.  For the others, I only attending topics that are of interest to me and offer me an opportunity to evaluate the presenter.

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This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

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