The Exchange-Traded Funds Manual, Second Edition

CHAPTER 14

Where to Look for Help in Using ETFs

The success of exchange-traded funds has stimulated growth in the client lists of advisors who help investors choose and use ETFs. Among the causes of this growth are (1) investor concern about their retirement funding and (2) perceived increases in the complexity of investment decisions after the 2007 to 2008 market decline. On the first point, investors are justifiably concerned about the global decline in the availability of defined benefit retirement plans and the corresponding need for individuals to take greater charge of their retirement investments and retirement planning. The second reason reflects investor needs for comfort and support as well as specific advisor knowledge. Each individual investor must decide how much professional help is needed and when a do-it-yourself approach might be appropriate. I have been in the investment business most of my life as an analyst, portfolio manager, and financial product developer, but I rely on professional advisors for help on many aspects of my personal financial planning. Most investors need at least some professional help, and many advisors patronize other advisors for specific kinds of help.

SOURCES OF PROFESSIONAL HELP

The most important decision any investor will make in selecting professional help will begin with evaluation of an individual or an advisory firm for a specific support role. While there are a number of professional designations that require specialized study ...