Navigating the intricate world of financial planning can be daunting, especially when seeking professionals who align with your faith and values. Many individuals and families are becoming interested in Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) principles, blending their financial plans with their spiritual values.
You’ve worked hard to achieve your personal and financial successes. So, it’s only logical that you’d want your wealth managed by a firm that understands and respects BRI principles, especially if you want to weave your faith into your financial journey.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll provide you with best practices you can employ as you search for the right CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in San Antonio that respects and practices Judeo-Christian values and understands that your faith and finances walk side-by-side together.
Proverbs [15:22]: “Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.”
Understanding the BRI Philosophy
Biblically Responsible Investing is an investment approach where Christians align their financial investments with the values of their faith. For example, it focuses on selecting investments that adhere to biblical principles and avoiding those that do not.
Today, more Christians than ever are turning towards BRI because they believe their money should work in harmony with their spiritual convictions. As stewards of their resources, many Christians ensure their investments do not support businesses that contradict their faith. BRI offers a path to financial growth and spiritual alignment, making it an increasingly popular choice among the Christian community.
Begin with Certifications and Designations
Starting your search for a financial advisor specializing in BRI principles can be daunting. All financial advisors claim to be financial experts, so understanding their sources of expertise is vital: degrees, years of experience, certifications, and designations. These credentials not only demonstrate their expertise but may also be indicators of specialized knowledge.
For instance, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) has demonstrated proficiency in comprehensive financial planning, while a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) is well-versed in estate planning, employee benefits, and investment management.
The Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) designation is a unique certification for financial professionals who seek to integrate faith-based BRI principles into their advice and services. An advisor with a CKA certification better understands aligning financial strategies with biblical values. As a result, individuals seeking guidance on BRI principles may find CKAs particularly insightful as they merge their financial knowledge with faith-driven decision-making.
Another noteworthy designation is the AIF® or Accredited Investment Fiduciary®. This designation suggests that the advisor not only has specialized knowledge in meeting investment fiduciary standards but also commits to always acting in the best financial interests of their clients.
Remember, advisors with the right credentials and advice should resonate with your values and vision. You wouldn’t want just anyone managing your finances, would you?
Localized Search
Using a search engine, type or use voice to enter the following sets of keywords:
- BRI Financial Advisor Near Me
- San Antonio Financial Advisor
- San Antonio CFP ®
- San Antonio Certified Kingdom Advisor
- BRI Financial Professional
This will narrow your choices to professionals in your vicinity who have the credentials you seek. Search databases of financial professionals as another way to connect with the right advisors.
Checking Compliance Backgrounds
When considering a financial advisor, an important step is reviewing their compliance record on the FINRA or SEC websites. This step ensures their past actions comply with industry regulations.
“Disclosures” refer to any professional conflicts, disciplinary actions, or consumer complaints lodged against them. An advisor’s transparency about these disclosures is a testament to their integrity and trustworthiness.
Before you make your selection decision, be sure to ask for documented responses for any compliance issues. Their willingness to document and discuss issues will provide insights into their professionalism and dedication to building a trustworthy relationship.
Remember that conducting thorough due diligence is a cornerstone of sound financial planning.
Open Communication is Key
Once you’ve compiled a shortlist of potential financial professionals to interview, it’s time to reach out and schedule interviews. When considering the selection of a BRI financial advisor to oversee your financial future, it’s important to validate all of the information that is important to you in writing. This is the foundation of a trusting relationship.
Here are the top five questions you should ask a BRI financial advisor during an interview:
- What Are Their Investment Philosophies?
Start with this fundamental question. As a BRI financial advisor, their investment philosophy should align with Biblically Responsible Investment principles. How do they interpret and apply biblical standards to their investment recommendations? Their answer will give you an insight into their core beliefs and how they’ll help you pursue your financial goals. - How Do They Screen Investments for Biblical Principles?
This is the heart of BRI. Find out their criteria for determining whether an investment is biblically responsible. Do they use third-party screening tools, or have they developed their research processes? Understanding their processes will help clarify the depth and breadth of their screening process. - What Experience Do They Have with BRI?
Experience is the best teacher. While being passionate about BRI is essential, you also want to ensure that the advisor has experience successfully managing BRI-based portfolios. Ask about their years of experience, particular BRI challenges, and how they overcame them. - How Do They Address the Balance Between Ethical Investing and Returns?
While the primary goal of BRI is to align your investment strategy with biblical principles, you still want your investments to produce competitive rates of return. How do the advisors approach conflicts between the potential for returns and biblical principles? Their responses will show how they prioritize your values versus the potential for higher returns. - How Do They Charge for Their Services?
Clarity on fees is essential in any relationship between you and financial advisors. Understand their fee structure – whether they work on a commission basis, charge a flat fee, or charge an asset-based fee. This will help you determine the potential costs and ensure a transparent relationship.
Remember, the key is finding the right BRI financial advisor with the technical know-how that resonates with your values and financial objectives.
Trust Your Instincts
Lastly, trust your intuition. You’re seeking someone who will not only be a fiduciary financial planner but also someone who understands and respects your faith. If something doesn’t feel right, it isn’t.
Because You Deserve the Best
At PAX Financial Group, we’re not just here to offer financial advice and services but to be your partner in navigating your financial journey to its ultimate conclusion. From comprehensive financial evaluations to insightful retirement planning, our commitment extends beyond the numbers. Our expertise in investment management is coupled with sound advice on insurance and personal finance, ensuring you’re well-equipped at every step.
Our dedication to the community is reflected in our actions, and our Christian values resonate deeply in everything we do. We strive to align our strategies with your values, focusing on what truly matters to you.
