Blake Welch, Financial Advisor

10/15/2023

It seems everyone is jumping on the artificial intelligence (AI) bandwagon. But can recommendations from AI technology beat the knowledge and experience of a financial advisor? Check out this article to see the results.

ChatGPT could revolutionize financial planning, but it won't replace human guidance.

10/14/2023

Raising a child can be extremely rewarding—but it can take a toll financially. Having a sound financial strategy can help new parents avoid potentially costly mistakes. Check out this article to learn how to avoid costly errors.

Smart financial planning is a must when you're having a baby. Learn the biggest money mistakes new parents should avoid.

10/12/2023

If you live on tips, commission or other irregular earnings, it can be harder to predict your income. Here are some tips on how to budget with uneven paychecks.

If you’ve ever lived off of tips or commissions, you may be familiar with the up-and-down paychecks common in certain industries. Service jobs, sales jobs, creative careers and project-based work can all have fluctuating income, where seasonality, events or the general economy might affect your ea...

10/10/2023

The younger you are, the more your savings can grow. Taking the time to learn a few basic financial rules can help you build a healthy financial future.

The younger you are, the more your savings can grow. Here are eight basic money rules to get your finances on track.

09/02/2023

If you've been hearing about annuities and wondering what the benefits are, this short, to-the-point article breaks down 5 benefits really well: https://bit.ly/3QZbk0y

Disclosure: Annuities are subject to inflation risk and backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

Annuities are uniquely designed to provide you guaranteed income for life. It does something that no other product can. But there are many benefits to owning an annuity, including

08/26/2023

From the moment you sign on the dotted line, your home becomes perhaps your most important investment. If it's time for a change, it's important that you understand how much your current home is worth. Check out this article to learn more.

If it's time for a change, it's important that you understand how much your current home is worth. Read on to decide if now's the time to move.

08/24/2023

A 529 plan allows you to make tax-free withdrawals to pay for qualified education expenses, such as college tuition and fees. A 529 plan, also known as a qualified tuition plan, is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to help you pay for education.

If you’re looking to save money for your child’s education, consider a 529 plan. A 529 plan allows you to make tax-free withdrawals to pay for qualified education expenses, such as college tuition and fees. What Is a 529 Plan? A 529 plan, also known as a qualified tuition plan, is a tax-advantag...

08/16/2023

Managing where your money is going and how you can comfortably spend your income can be difficult. Creating a budget can help you organize and improve your finances. Check out this article for the best budgeting apps of 2023.

We reviewed and compared features and costs from the best budgeting apps. This list will help you find the best budgeting apps to fit your needs.

08/12/2023

As summer vacation comes to an end, here are back-to-school tips that will have you prepped for the school year.

Master the new school year with our back-to-school tips, featuring practical advice from organizing a homework caddy to perfecting an after-school routine.

07/31/2023

Hello Everyone! Looking to start putting out some video content! Thought I would start with some basics, and continue to put out videos regularly! If there are topics or specific information you would like addressed or talked about, let me know! I look forward to helping put out financial education to the community!

05/30/2023

Hey there! Time for the next Tuesday Education Post! If there is any thing specific anyone would like a deeper dive into or would like a post about, feel free to comment or message me directly!

Today's Question: What makes a financial advisor qualified?

A qualified financial advisor should possess a combination of education, experience, and credentials. Here are some key factors that make a financial advisor qualified:

Education: A financial advisor should have a bachelor's degree, preferably in finance, accounting, economics, or business administration. A master's degree in finance or a related field is also beneficial.

Experience: Experience is an important factor in determining the qualifications of a financial advisor. A qualified advisor should have several years of experience in the financial services industry, preferably in a role that involves providing investment advice.

Credentials: There are several professional credentials that indicate a financial advisor's qualifications, such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). These credentials demonstrate that the advisor has met rigorous education and experience requirements and has passed a comprehensive exam.

Licensing: A financial advisor should be licensed to sell securities and provide investment advice. The most common licenses include the Series 7, Series 65, and Series 66 licenses.

Ethics: A qualified financial advisor should adhere to high ethical standards and put the client's interests first. Look for an advisor who is a fiduciary, which means that they are legally obligated to act in the client's best interest.

Overall, a qualified financial advisor should have a combination of education, experience, credentials, licensing, and a commitment to ethics. You can always check the credentials of your advisor or broker via https://bit.ly/3METTyv. It's important to do your research and carefully evaluate an advisor's qualifications before working with them.