Imagine being financially free—to the point that unexpected expenses or emergencies are no big deal. It’s a feeling most people crave.

While financial freedom can mean retiring in your twilight years, it can also mean turning your passions into profits or leaving your 9-to-5 job to pursue other goals. With this book, Grant Sabatier offers a practical roadmap to achieving financial freedom sooner than you think.

Educate yourself

One way to prepare for a meeting with a financial advisor is by educating yourself on personal finance and capital markets. Many resources, including books and reputable websites, provide insights into budgeting, investing, and taxes. It’s also important to stay current with the latest news in the financial industry, such as the Department of Labor’s fiduciary ruling and investment fee structures.

A financial advisor provides investment and wealth management planning. They often have specialized retirement planning, tax strategy, and estate planning expertise.

Whether you’re preparing for a significant life event or want to get ahead financially, finding the right financial advisor can be an invaluable resource. The financial freedom they offer can be a game-changer for your quality of life. A recent Bankrate survey found that 52 percent of Americans say money causes stress, and a financial advisor can help alleviate that stress.

Find a financial advisor.

A financial advisor can guide you through the confusing world of investing so that your money is invested sensibly. Investing is the only way most people can grow their wealth significantly, even with a modest income.

A good financial planner can also help you set attainable goals for yourself. Whether funding an emergency fund or eliminating credit card debt, having clear goals can help you stay focused and on track toward your financial freedom.

Thousands of financial advisors specialize in different areas, such as retirement planning, debt management, and investment advice. It’s important to interview a few financial advisors before choosing one. Ask about their fees, service style, and any specializations they may have.

It’s also a good idea to check out any claims an adviser makes about their credentials, education, and experience by visiting their FINRA BrokerCheck profile or looking for red flags like disciplinary actions on Google. You’ll want to find someone who is a good fit for your needs and your personality.

Schedule a meeting

Financial Advisor at Stifel, Chuck Roberts, often uses the first meeting to get to know you and determine whether they can help. This is why it’s essential to be prepared to discuss your goals, expectations, and needs.

Ensure you have all your financial documents – including the latest statements for any savings and investment accounts, as well as your debt profile (what you owe and how much). It would be best to clearly understand your priorities and financial goals, such as purchasing a home or paying off debt.

You’ll also want to find out how the advisor gets paid. They can be paid by charging a fee, receiving a commission on the assets they manage, or a mix of both. It’s also a good idea to ask about their credentials, experience, and any disciplinary issues they may have. This can help you feel more confident that they fit your needs well.

Get started

Financial freedom means having control over your finances, which can lead to a better quality of life. A financial advisor can assist in achieving financial goals by setting, saving, and investing wisely.

A financial advisor can also guide complex topics like taxes, retirement, and estate planning. They may also offer debt consolidation, help individuals find loans with lower interest rates, and recommend insurance coverage to protect against risks like illness or injury.

If you’re looking for a financial advisor, identify your needed services. Then, find an advisor with a customer-first mentality qualified to meet your needs. Consider a robo-advisor, which offers a low-cost way to invest, but you’ll choose one that still provides access to human advisors who can tweak your strategy. To get started, check out SmartVestor, our free service that connects you with investment professionals.