4 facts your finance planner won't tell you

We bring you four more confessions of a financial planer.

I can't beat the market

Many people believe a financial planner can help them supercharge their investment returns. Many financial planners, however, believe they're doing well if their clients' portfolios simply match market averages.

• Confessions of a financial advisor

Understand that good, comprehensive financial planning doesn't ensure outsized returns. A plan should improve your credit, minimize your taxes, protect your assets, take care of your heirs and grow your wealth over time.

I won't save you from yourself

The best financial planners don't let their clients overdose on any 'hot trend'. Your best bet is to a planner who don't have a consistent philosophy or who is constantly talking about the next hot trend. In addition, take some responsibility for your actions: Do not be a trend-chaser or insist on wild swings in course, especially if your trained, experienced planner advises otherwise.

I have a chequered past

Sooner or later, some financial planners will have a run-in with an unhappy client. If those disputes regularly escalate to lawsuits, however, or your advisor has been pulled up by a regulatory board, that's a red flag. Ask for three references of clients who have been with them for at least five years, and make sure they are not related.

I made three trips abroad -- and you paid for it!

When certain financial schemes or products create a conflict of interest where your planner stands to gain more in commissions, he or she will probably recommend a scheme, which will entitle him or her to a foreign trip, a plasma television, or a car.

Too bad if it hurts your bottom line.

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