Yet this is where fishing magnate Magnus Roth started his career in the early 1980s, lugging mackerel and other pelagic fish from battered vessels onto sandy quaysides.

From these humble beginnings, Roth rose up through the industry, acceding to the directorships at leading fishing companies in Norway and Russia.

Now a very rich man, Roth’s success is the classic ‘boy done good’ story but this is not to say that it has all been plain sailing.

Much of the Swede’s career remains murky and the details that have emerged about his dealings reflect a character who is not quite as upstanding as he lets on.

Horses for courses

For a man who has spent his life working with fish, its odd that the first scandal of Roth’s career revolved around a different species entirely, his daughter’s prize pony.

In 1999, having been enriched by his takeover of the Norwegian fishing industry, Roth decided to purchase a horse from the former Olympic equestrian Morten Aasen.

The young stallion, Poteen, was a present for his eldest daughter and set him back an eye-watering £37,500.

When the deal was done, Poteen was boxed up and made the long journey from the UK to Norway.

However, Roth, ever the wily businessman, sensed an opportunity to make a significant saving and declared Poteen’s value as being just £5000.

This allowed him to avoid paying a large chunk of VAT on the transaction, robbing Norway’s public purse of its 25% cut.

Unfortunately for Roth, this piece of trickery didn’t work for long.

The Norwegian tax authorities got wind of the deal and their investigation found that he had indeed falsified the import papers.

Roth was consequently fined several hundred thousand Norwegian krone and the Norwegian newspaper that broke the story, Aftenposten, condemned Roth for his attempted tax evasion.

Yet perhaps the Swede deserved pity just as much as contempt.

As someone from humble beginnings on the Nigerian shores, it is likely that Roth saw horses, long considered a noble animal, as his golden ticket into Norway’s social elite.

One can picture Roth grooming Poteen’s mane at the Oslo Horse Show, flashing a hopeful smile at an onlooking aristocrat or royal.

The shadowy shareholder

Fifteen years later and Roth was no longer an outsider.

In late 2016, he became a director at the hugely successful Song Bulk, a Norwegian shipping company which invests in low-cost vessels.

Roth was the firm’s second largest shareholder and his initial stake in Songa was worth a cool $1m.

All seemed to be going well in 2019, with Roth still owning a sizeable 37% share in the business.

Yet Songa’s reports show that just a year later, Roth’s shares in the company had been diluted down to zero.

From an integral part of the firm to a non-owner board member, the shadowy shareholder had clearly fallen from grace. 

Once a cheater…

The Scandinavian press were unable to explain Roth’s rapid exit from Songa, but a report by the British investigative journalist David Leppard has shed more light.

According to Leppard, to escape prosecution from the Norwegian authorities for tax evasion, Roth moved his residency from Norway to Hong Kong in 2014 and then onto Lugano, Switzerland in 2019.

After attempting to interview Roth in Lugano, Leppard made the following statement to Arctic TV, a Russian investigative news channel.

“Mr Roth, as I discovered, lived in Norway for fifteen years and then after the Norwegian tax and fishing authorities and the Norwegian media began investigating his business, he left Norway suddenly and went to live in Hong Kong.”

It seems that residing in Norway was no longer an option for Roth and it is likely that the investigations into his tax affairs meant that his part-ownership of Songa became untenable.

All alone at sea

Norway’s tax authorities are clearly deeply suspicious of Roth’s finances, and this has pushed him into a life on the road, moving from one tax haven to the next.

It’s anyone’s guess as to where the fishing magnate might end up – perhaps a return to Nigeria is on the cards if Lugano does not work out.

As is often the case, the cunning and ruthlessness that took the Swede from the beach to the boardroom has also landed him in hot water with the law.

If a £40,000 pony did not endear Roth to the crème of Norway’s social elite, then his wayward accounting is unlikely to either.

As lockdown ends and we slowly move towards getting back to normal (or at least the new normal), we are heading outside more and more. Seeing our friends, going back to our jobs, and beginning to realise we want to dress up a little more.

If you are in this position, read on for some tips and tricks for getting back to dressing up as we return to the world outside our living room.

Start small

If you have spent the last few months in mostly comfortable clothes, it might feel like a challenge to get back to dressing smartly for outings. A well-ironed shirt can do wonders for even a more casual outfit, or you can throw a nice blazer over a t-shirt for a smart-casual look that could work for drinks with friends or even a relaxed working environment. After all, no one is quite sure yet how the “new normal” will impact our sartorial choices. Mix it up a little and see what works for you!

Go places

Going out socially might make you feel a little nervous, so make an effort to do things (in a safe, socially distanced way) that you enjoy. For example, a meal at a restaurant you enjoy is a great excuse for dressing up, or head down to the cricket club or to play a sport you enjoy. There are plenty of opportunities to make the most of our new freedom.

Working from home

If you are still working from home, or are in a hybrid work situation where you are only sometimes in the office, you might be tempted to stick to your more relaxed looks. Dressing more formally, even for Zoom calls, can help you to get back into the habit of dressing for company. Put on your favourite shirt, tie and jacket even if you are only doing phone calls that day. It will make it feel a lot less jarring when you do return to the office.

The right tie

Choosing the right tie for any event can make your outfit look a lot more put together. Whether you have a tie that goes with your work uniform or even one that you wear to a club, then now is the perfect time to get it out and get used to the feeling of being a little smarter. You can even buy some new ties to inspire yourself to dress up more often!

Are you excited to get back to the activities you love? Don’t forget that the right tie can pull together any look and when you are looking your best, you will feel a lot more confident!

Furniture At Work offers a wide range of bistro furniture for all occasions and settings. When selecting bistro furniture, there are various considerations that must be accounted for to ensure the final set-up facilitates creating the desired atmosphere.

Concept

All restaurants begin with a concept and this idea underpins every other aspect of the planning process, including choice of furniture. Part of this involves considering the type of clientele you want to attract. Venues looking to bring in large parties will want a vastly different set-up to those looking to draw in romantic couples and people seeking a more intimate dinner experience.

Some bistros are casual and rustic; others are more formal and glamorous. Some are designed to encourage people to settle in for the evening, while others have a more fast-food vibe and want to hustle people in and out quickly. Choosing furniture that ties in with the concept can help set the tone from opening day.

Practicality

Style is a huge part of choosing furniture to create an interior or outdoor dining area that attracts the customers you want. However, there are also practical considerations that can be equally as important.

Outdoor dining furniture needs to be weather-resistant and easy to clean. Smaller spaces may benefit from folding or stackable furniture, as can outdoor areas that are only going to be open for part of the year. In any restaurant, having at least some portable furniture can help the venue accommodate unexpected requests such as accepting larger parties on an otherwise quiet evening.

There are typically more practical criteria for choosing outdoor furniture than for indoors, so if you want both and you want them to coordinate, you should probably choose the outdoor items first.

Floor Plan

A good restaurant floor plan considers how foot traffic will move around the venue and avoids creating areas where crowding could easily occur. Having a range of seating options can help draw in a larger audience: secluded booths for privacy, comfy low seating for coffees, high bar tables and stools for mingling, and so on.

Flexibility is key, so when creating a floor plan, it is important to look at how things could also be moved around if required.

Maintenance

No restaurant owner wants to have to replace furniture on a regular basis or spend hours each week deep-cleaning. Maintenance is therefore an important consideration when selecting bistro furniture.

Tables should be designed from materials that can be quickly and easily sanitised during busy service times and all furniture needs to be able to withstand heavy use without obvious signs of wear and tear.

Choosing durable materials from the start can save a lot of money in the long-term. In settings where materials that require more care and attention are the most appropriate, such as real wood, staff should be properly trained in how to care for the furniture appropriately.

Sterling BIM was established as the Building Information Modelling arm of the Mid Group, staffed by a team of proven experts from a diverse range of backgrounds to deliver BIM services both within the Group and to external clients. The innovative use of BIM has helped the Mid Group to establish itself as one of the highest quality construction companies in the world, offering all the benefits of having access to the latest technologies. These include the Internet of Things, blockchain, 3D printing, robotics, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality.

Mid Contracting was formed to deal with the specifics of the contracting side of the business, delivering top quality services to UK clients that have earned the company a solid reputation as one of the best alternative contractors in the country. Mid Contracting specialises in advising clients on delivering projects within exacting specifications and supports all projects from the conception phase right through to final handover.

Sterling Living is the arm of the Mid Group that deals directly with landowners, helping to generate solutions for maximising value and realising the full potential of any piece of land. This includes working to secure planning permission, delivering new schemes, and assisting in raising funding for new projects.

Mid Consulting is the fourth company under the Mid Group umbrella. It concentrates on tailored services across a broad scope of management sectors, including project management, design management, commercial structuring and management, cost management, and programme management.

Sahel Majali Chairman of the Mid Group studied in the UK and the US prior to embarking on his career. Majali achieved a degree in Civil Engineering (Bachelor of Science) from University College London in 1984 before studying for his M.E.A. (majoring in Construction Management) at George Washington University in Washington, graduating in 1985. Sahel Majali had experience of being a chairman before the Mid Group, as he founded the Mid Contracting Jordan company in 1991. Majali served as Chairman and Managing Director of this company for more than 15 years, supplying dynamic projects for investment, development and construction.

In particular, sunflower seed oil sales to China have demonstrated a 25-fold increase.

“Today, we witness the growing interest in sunflower seed oil in many Asian countries,” mentions Sergei Kislov (former owner of OAO NZNP). “On the back of concerns about their health and immunity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, people are more and more enthusiastic about consuming sunflower oil. This product is one of the world champions in the content of Omega-6 and vitamin E, which positively affect the health of the human body cells and strengthen the immune system. It is quite natural that people are willing to use more sunflower seed oil in their diet.”

In 2021, Yug Rusi plans to keep expanding its sales geography and to enter new markets. In particular, Yug Rusi’s sunflower seed oil will be presented at the largest international exhibition GULF FOOD 2021, which will be held in Dubai, February 21 – 23.

The World Bank invests heavily in projects that help developing countries to prioritise the strengthening of digital infrastructure to facilitate access for businesses, communities, and individuals all around the world. Through the International Finance Corporation, the World Bank is working to invest in technology for education, to improve access to education and learning outcomes.

The Bridge Kenya IFC partnership works with a proven model for education, utilising technologies to facilitate better learning. Bridge Kenya teachers are provided with tablets through which they can download teaching materials and be supported with teacher guides. The tablets also enable the organisation to monitor teacher and student performance and attendance using mobile technology and state-of-the-art data analysis. The technology means that previously opaque classrooms become transparent and that education policy decisions, teacher training and pedagogy iteration can be based on near real-time data. These investments in technology have resulted in figures demonstrating the superiority of the system, with students attending Bridge International Academies outperforming their peers at public schools in multiple national exams.

Bridge International Academies is part of a wider portfolio of IFC investment in education as part of its focus on education as a key driver in the battle to reduce poverty. IFC invests in a wide range of learning establishments, support, and resources to deliver high-quality education and training to millions. Bridge – and its parent company – is currently employing 6,000 people and educating 1 million students a day across five countries.

Approximately 19% of all IFC investment goes directly to education technologies, teacher training and publishing. Just under 75% of investment focuses on tertiary education, helping more people to enter employment with the right qualifications and training to be able to further their careers. The remainder of investments focus on basic education at primary and secondary school level, helping children get the right start and develop the skills and knowledge required to benefit from tertiary education once they complete their schooling.

As technology advances and becomes more accessible and more affordable, access to education and learning outcomes will continue to improve.

If you want your shopping website to be profitable, you need to keep your users’ attention for long enough to make a sale. Beyond that, you need to make certain that their overall experience whilst on your site is a positive one. The simple reason for this is that a complicated and arduous online shopping experience won’t help you to acquire repeat custom – and it’s widely established that it takes much more effort to bring in new customers than to retain old ones.

With these thoughts in mind, here are 8 tips to help you supercharge your eCommerce efforts and give your customers cause to return time and time again.

1.      Speed matters

Online shopping is all about convenience, and if your website does not offer that, it stands very little chance of making a positive impression.

Perhaps the best way to approach this is to think about consumer attention spans. These are generally short, and so you will need to make sure that your website captures their attention quickly. If it takes too long to load, that simply will not be possible.

There are tonnes of ways to improve your website load speed, from minimising HTTP requests to choosing a better hosting provider. Some of these are more technical than others, but it is worth speaking to a web designer to find out exactly what is happening with your website.

2.      Easy navigation is best

Sites that have simple designs and easy-to-navigate menus will almost always beat competitors that use more complex site structures. Why? Well, as we have already mentioned, customers value convenience and if they cannot find what they are looking for, they might just go elsewhere.

From planning a winning wireframe to simply creating accurate and easy-to-find product categories, do not make it difficult for users to find and purchase the products they need. Remember, this is an eCommerce website – not a maze!

3.      Provide accurate and high-quality images

When you visit a physical retail location, you choose your purchases by picking them out from shelves or rails of other products. You can see what the shop has and select exactly what it is that you like. The same should be true online.

When consumers shop on the internet, they do not want to be entering into some kind of raffle or guessing game – and so it couldn’t be more important to provide accurate and high-quality images of the products that you sell.

Allowing customers to see exactly what they are buying will lead to higher sales volumes, fewer returns, and a better customer relationship. So, whether it is different colourways or just the size and shape of a product, make sure that your website users can get a feel for what they’re buying before they have to part with their money.

4.      Include product reviews

Believe it or not, product reviews are more than just a way to increase your ranking and visibility on sites like Amazon and eBay. In fact, displaying reviews from existing customers could prompt new website visitors to give your products a go.

This is known as social proof, and it can be generated from customer reviews, social media feeds, and other online interactions. If you can show that web users are already supporting your brand and enjoying your products, you will stand a better chance of gaining the trust of new users and minimising any doubts they may have about your retail credentials.

5.      Make it easy to checkout

The quality of your website does not just end with the products. Even if your users have decided to purchase a product, they could still be put off by a convoluted and time-intensive checkout process.

To ensure that you do not fall at the final hurdle, make it a priority to get a reliable payment solution in place. Payment services provider UTP Group, who also offer physical retail solutions including card machine paper, offer an easy-to-use eCommerce payment gateway system that will allow you to serve your customers 24/7, 365 days a year.

It is the simplest way to improve your checkout process, and it’s important to remember that the last impression you make on a customer is often the most enduring.

6.      Clearly display your store policies

High-quality retailers can manage their customers’ expectations effectively, even when they are dealing with a negative issue such as a return or a complaint.

To foster trust among customers and build your site’s credibility, you should consider displaying your returns policy and other similar shop rules in a prominent place. This will help you to communicate your sales and returns processes to customers, who will be grateful for the clarity even if their purchase was not the perfect fit for them.

7.      Keep your website up to date

Websites that are kept updated sell more, not least because customers can take heart that the brand behind the eCommerce store is probably responsive.

Thankfully it’s not hard to keep your website up-to-date even if your product lines aren’t changing and doing so could help you to rise through the Google ranking pages as part of a search engine optimisation (SEO) strategy.

The bottom line is that if you want your e-commerce site to succeed, you need to leave users with a good impression. Remaining active on blogs, product pages, and social media, will help you to do exactly that.

8.      Use plain English!

Regardless of what you sell, cutting the jargon could help you to make more sales. The simple fact is that customers want to find and purchase products simply. Impenetrable walls of text and unclear descriptions could prevent them from doing that and lead them straight into the arms of your competitors.

Writing in plain English is one of the easiest ways to connect with your customers, tell them about what you do, and encourage them to make a purchase. Whether it’s product descriptions, shipping information, or you’re about section – leave the technical language for another time.

Attract more customers, and make more sales

All things considered, improving your eCommerce website should be a priority – and it doesn’t even have to be hard. With millions of competitors out there, there are plenty of examples to take a lead from, and even more to do exactly the opposite of.

Whatever it is that you do, focus on simplicity, customer service, and user experience. It’ll make a real difference to your online sales strategy.

The same principle applies to relationships. The early spark that occurs due to attraction or other reasons cools off after a while. To continue or sustain that spark and keep the relationship alive, you must keep adding “firewood,” so to speak. This article offers some takeaways and will hopefully help you keep your relationship alive and burning.

1.  Communicate Your Feelings/Needs

Pre-relationship phase, you might be a solo person in terms of thoughts, decisions, and lifestyle choices. Sorry, Tom Cruise!!! A relationship is another ball game entirely. In order to ensure a long-lasting and interesting relationship, communication is vital. Your mate can’t read your mind, so kindly express your thoughts. Tell each other how much you love and value him/her. Remember, don’t just say it; mean it also.

Communication is quite elaborate, even to the extent of showing and acknowledging your partner’s effort, even on the simplest of things. “Well done” is such a comforting word, coupled with a glass of water. Funny how you both might be doing chores together, but that shouldn’t limit you. Take the initiative and pour a drink for you and your partner.

Finally, on communication, grow to understand your partner and avoid the incentive to solve every problem with gifts, for example. Create time to listen. Listen, let your partner do the talking. Also, learn to say, “I am sorry,” which goes a long way in cubbing unnecessary arguments or fights. When matters arise, never blame or shame your partner in public. Doing this is like pouring ice on the campfire.

2.  Experience something new together

Many times, going through something new as a couple can strengthen your relationship, keep the spark alive and encourage you to develop as a couple. So, then, why not do something that is not only going to be a new experience but also one that is directly related to sexuality, intimacy and pleasure? For centuries yogis have worked with energy centres and how these can create exciting new sensations, such as energy orgams. Even if being coached about it may seem a bit too much for some, especially if you’re a more reserved type, it can work miracles on the couple, so don’t discard the option.

3.  Far Away but Near

Steffo Shambo, founder of the Tantric Academy of Sacred Sexuality, has a philosophy that clearly shows a good aspect of what could result in the loss of spark in a relationship. The philosophy highlights that “not having enough individual separations or, so to speak, personal space results in depolarization.” In simple terms, in every relationship, the magnetism or bond shared in a relationship could start to reduce when partners stay together for so long.

So, learn to respect and give your partner privacy or space, but know when the silence is too much. So, stay far away but be near when needed.

4.  Go on Trips

Occasionally take trips and go out camping with friends. If possible, do not include your partner, but be careful to inform and always update him or her. To build up trust, you could go on the trip with your married friends.

When you return, a term known as sexual polarity occurs. You and your partners’ emotions and feelings heighten, leading to a whole lot of excitement. This can help you keep the spark alive in your relationship. Remember, trust goes a long way. So, space your trips, and both partners should have these trips. Avoid being paranoid when your partner is on his/her trip. Find a way to immerse yourself in your passions and explore your own interests and hobbies and avoid paranoia.

A relationship is like a jigsaw puzzle. It takes time to figure out. Avoid rushing or trying all things simultaneously. As you take a step, sometimes you stumble, but that’s isn’t bad at all. You stumble to understand each other more.

When it comes to Mount Logan, Canada’s highest mountain, it is one of the most climbed and popular amongst the climber community. The range sits around ten miles from Canada’s enormous Yukon Territory’s Alaskan border. Furthermore, the summit rises 5,959 meters above sea level and is North America’s second-highest peak, falling short by 181 meters to Denali. Even though this summit does not require technical climbing, its height does pose a challenge. Mount Logan is a part of one of the world’s more remote regions, which sees it soaring about 3000 meters above surrounding peaks.

Such an enormous base bed of the mountain serves as a massif. Be it Everest, K2, or any other summit, Logan’s length measures at 20 kilometers and is 5 kilometers wide, referred to as the most prominent mountain on Earth. If you are a climber, looking to challenge this enormous piece of nature, there are several things you need to know before stepping onto the belt of the summit. Here is a rundown of the top five facts and insight that will help you quench through the challenge.

1. Climbing Routes

There are a couple of primary routes to reach Mount Logan’s summit – The East Ridge and The Kings Trench.

The route of East Ridge is an alpine climbing route that takes you up to the summit. Looking for an exhilarating experience? This route comprises some of the worthwhile and challenging high alpine wall climbs in the entire North American region. While climbing through this route, you have to follow a steep and narrow ridge-line, which trails for 4000 vertical meters. Meanwhile, The Kings Trench way is one of the least technical ones and involves skiing through enormous glacier systems that lie on the massif’s western side. Mount Logan’s very first climbers took The Kings Trench Route in 1925.

2. Total Duration To Reach The Summit

Most of the expedition tours to Mount Logan’s summit take around three to four weeks, which excludes the to and from movement from Haines Junction. Due to Logan’s enormous size, climbers have to spend a significant amount of time approaching the base camp. However, the ascent only requires a week since climbers need to go through a slow acclimatization process. The entire range experiences heavy rain in summer months, followed by unpredictable weather conditions during the climbing season, which, in turn, demands more days of climbing.

3. Difficulty Levels

Making your way to the summit is difficult due to the mountain’s prominence of 5250 meters. Throughout your climb, you will have to hike, split board or ski, climb while carrying the full gear on your shoulders. In case you have already finalized your tour, experts who have previously climbed this gigantic mountain recommend that pose a combination of mountaineering and skiing experience, coupled with the utmost fitness levels.

Alongside these, it would be better if you’d spend some time doing winter camping. That is because the climb’s four camps are located around 4000 meters above in elevation. In the end, it’s a cold, and big remote area, which experiences a lot of glaciation and extreme weather.

4. Equipment

When you have proper tools and equipment to climb Mount Logan, you are in for a lifetime experience. However, if you are not aware of what you require beforehand, here is a list of necessary equipment.

• Skis, shorter (160 – 185cm) mid-fat to fat ski (dynafit tech bindings)
• Ski Poles split boarders
• Climbing skins
• Ski boots/snowboard boots
• Strap on boot crampons
• Ski crampons
• Snow shovel
• Avalanche beacon equipped with fresh batteries
• Daypack, 35-45L
• Avalanche probe
• Sunglasses with side shields
• Expedition pack 65-75L
• Ski goggles
• -30 deg down sleeping bag
• Small blister 1st-Aid Kit
• Insulate pad
• Insulated Therma-rest
• Lightweight climbing harness suitable for glacier travel
• One sewn sling and 2x 4-6 m long 6mm cord
• Two non-locking carabiners, 3x locking carabiners
• Standard lightweight ski mountaineering ax 50-70 cm
• 2x ice screws
• 1-2 big duffle bags

5. Weather and Best season

The best climbing conditions lie from May to August, offering an average temperature of less than 20ºC. The temperature tends to fall when you gain height. And, once you have crossed the 5,000 meters mark, you might be well below the freezing point.

Final Thoughts

Conquering the mountain’s mammoth area is challenging and has also posed difficulties to professional climbers. Even if you are stocked well, trained at par, and ready to make the summit, nature can often be a piece of unfinished poetry. As a result, it is vital to have the Gods of nature by your side, along with everything listed here.

As with many questions, the answer to this one depends on your individual circumstances. Thus, in this article, we will go over the things to consider when deciding if you need a certified financial advisor (CFA).

In many cases, paying someone to do something for you (like fixing a broken washing machine) can be well worth the cost. But due to recent innovations, it’s less clear whether paying someone to manage your money is worth it.

But is it right for you? Let’s find out.

Who Needs a Financial Advisor?

Short answer: not everyone.

But that doesn’t mean financial advisors can’t still be useful in many cases. Start by asking yourself the very obvious question: “Am I having trouble managing my money?”

For some of us, that may not be the case. Someone whose finances are simple and invests in an index fund or two may have no need for such guidance.

There is also the issue of discipline – or a lack thereof. Some investors have no trouble selecting a few long-term investments and leaving their money to grow.

For most people, though, our emotions end up getting the best of us when we notice our portfolios losing value. Unfortunately, making decisions based on these short-term drops is rarely, if ever, a good decision.

Studies have shown that these unnecessary changes to your portfolio usually lead to a long-term decline in returns. For instance, Vanguard showed that investors who made even one exchange over a five-year period trailed Vanguard’s target-date funds by 150 basis points (equal to 1.5%).

1.5% may not sound like very much, but it can add up to many thousands of dollars in the long run, in part thanks to compounding interest. Plus, the time period observed was just five years. Things would look even worse if you made these changes over the course of your career.

One way advisors can help is by acting as a financial coach. He or she can help you to not only formulate a strategy for success and find you recession proof stocks, but also help ensure you stay the course and not let your emotions get in the way.

Many of us need this kind of assistance, and there is absolutely no shame in it.

In addition, a financial advisor may be necessary due to a major life event or any other scenario where your money suddenly becomes more complicated.

How Much Do Financial Advisors Charge?

Every financial advisor is different, and they all have different rates. That being said, the two primary ways CFAs charge for their services is:

• By the hour – Hourly rates vary, but they tend to go up to two to three hundred dollars per hour.
• Percentage of your portfolio – Typically around 1% of your assets; may be higher or lower.
• Set annual fee – You can expect to pay a few thousand dollars per year to work with an advisor on an ongoing basis.

In addition to the fee structure your financial advisor might charge, there is another important way costs are determined, and that is how the advisor charges you:

• Fee-only – Many investors prefer fee-only advisors because there is no commission and thus no incentive to sell you costly financial products. Typically, with this arrangement, the fee will be a percentage of assets under management.
• Commission-based – Commission-based financial advisors are a little more complicated. Clients typically pay the advisor a fee, and the advisor may also receive a commission from a third party for selling financial products such as life insurance or other up-sells.

As the investor, it’s always a good idea to consider all alternatives, but fee-only advisors are usually a good starting point.

Fee-only advisors may have requirements that preclude certain investors from using their services such as a minimum investment. If that is the case, it may be a good idea to “shop around” a bit before fully committing.

Whatever you ultimately choose, having some guidance with managing your money will likely put you on the path to financial success.

Will My Advisor Keep My Best Interest in Mind?

You may have heard the term fiduciary before – a slightly funny-sounding work – but weren’t sure what it meant. Well, if you are concerned about your financial advisor keeping your best interest in mind (and that they won’t inundate you with sales pitches), a fiduciary is probably what you want.

In the context of financial advisors, a fiduciary has a legal obligation to act in your best interest. This helps eliminate conflicts of interest.

On the other hand, there is the idea of suitability. This means the investment should be “suitable.” But this is kind of a funny term that may not mean what you think it means.

Investments need not be in the best interest of the investor to meet the suitability standard. They may even be a conflict of interest.

In these cases, the financial advisor could steer you to investments that would lead to the advisor earning more, but won’t necessarily be best for you, the investor.

Due to the critical difference between fiduciary duty and suitability, it would be a good idea to ask a potential financial advisor if he or she follows one of these standards before committing.

An Alternative – Using a Robo-Advisor

While working with a real, human advisor can be beneficial for many of us, we don’t all need that level of guidance. Some of us just need a simple solution we can trust that we know will reliably grow our investments.

A robo-advisor can do just that, and the fees are lower than a CFA would charge. Robo-advisors are algorithm-driven investment with little to no human intervention. This explains how they are able to charge less than a human advisor.

One popular robo-advisor many people use is Betterment. When you sign up for Betterment, you are asked to fill out an initial questionnaire. Once that is done, your investments can be entirely automated if you schedule transfers into your portfolio, for example, every time you get paid. This Betterment review will help you decide if this is the route you should take.

Using a robo-advisor greatly simplifies the process and allows you to grow your money with almost no effort on your part.

Benefits of Financial Advisors

Whether you decide to hire a real, human advisor, or to leave things up to the likes of a robot, robo-advisors have several advantages:

• Consistent, expertise-driven decision making. Let’s face it, none of us is an expert at everything. Sure, there is a good bit of finance blogs with information available online these days, but that isn’t a substitute for managing investments for a living. Plus, a financial advisor is not going to make impulsive, emotional decisions that so many of us may be prone to.
• Having a plan. It may seem obvious, but an advisor (particularly a human one) will help you develop a financial plan. Many people tend to “just wing it” when it comes to their finances – and you may be able to get away with that if your finances are overly simple. But if there is any level of complexity to your finances, having a game plan will make you much more likely to succeed.
• Having a coach. No one is perfect. If you are prone to pulling all of your money out of the stock market due to a 10% drop, a financial advisor can help keep you on track. Sometimes we just need someone to talk to when the going gets tough.

Is a Financial Advisor Right For You?

Financial advisors aren’t right for everyone. Those with overly simple finances or particularly enjoy managing their own money may not benefit from an advisor.

However, these groups do not represent the majority of the population. Most could benefit from some level of guidance with their investments.

And that is one thing an advisor can provide: guidance. They can help you formulate a plan, keep you on track, and help you make good decisions with your investments.

If you do consider hiring a financial advisor, be sure to ask the right questions. Does she or he have a fiduciary duty? What is their fee structure? And so on.

Lastly, if you want guidance with your investments but don’t feel the need for a human advisor, you could consider a robo-advisor like Betterment.

Whatever you decide, be sure to take action sooner rather than later. The sooner you get your investments in order, the greater the long-term benefit will be.