Hello. My husband and I recently inherited about $200,000 worth of stocks. What should we do now? Where can we find a financial adviser? We're really clueless, any suggestions would help. Thanks so much.
2007-12-21 13:49:10 · 7 answers · asked by psyche 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Investing
The first thing you should do is find out what the stock price was on the day the person died. This will give you your new cost basis. As for finding a financial planner, most brokerages have them. But the best bet is to talk to your friends, people you work with, etc. to find out who they use and if they are happy.
The second thing I would suggest you do is take a basic Stock Market or Financial course at your local community college. The cost isn't great, but the information is priceless. This way your new financial planner can not talk over your head and you will have some idea of what he is trying to tell you.
The third thing, if you have time, is to do a little research on your new companies and find out who they are and what their financial position and prospects are. This way you will know if it is a company that you would like to keep or get rid of, if it doesn't meet your general philosophy's. Like buying a company that makes military equipment, if you are against that sort of thing.
In the meantime, relax, do a little research and learning, and don't jump at the first person who says they are a financial planner. Make sure to check out their credentials, most states require that they be licensed now.
2007-12-21 14:02:15 · answer #1 · answered by kny390 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
every stockbroker out there will be happy to advise you.
just remember that a recent study of the Merrill Lynch stock analysts found their average return expectation was 14% when their own firm's top economist said minus 3% over the same period for the whole market.
***
seriously, you probably want to start learning and quickly.
public library is free and has plenty of volumes on the subject. I recommend William J. O'Neil -- he did original studies to find what might work, traded for himself and made a fortune, and even started an investor's newspaper because, in his opinion, the WSJ is really written for business executives, not sotck investors.
PS -- my guess is you inherited some very fine long term stocks. Make no trades until you have some knowledge of what actually works.
GL
2007-12-21 22:04:39 · answer #2 · answered by Spock (rhp) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if the amount is that large then I am assuming that the stocks were a good investment and you should feel safe leaving them as they are for the time being.
There are advisers all over the place, and anyone could recommend you to anybody. So I suggest that you just look up a few and go talk to them and try to find someone you feel comfortable with and trust. Places like A. G. Edwards and Schwab are a good place too look.
Good luck!
2007-12-21 22:00:49 · answer #3 · answered by Kegger 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get ready for a ton of advice.
Don't buy any new real estate til 2009 at least !
Pay off your high-interest loans.
Then, what I would do, because I think the economy is going into a recession from the housing market caving in, is put half the remaining money in each of two FDIC insured (assuming you're in the US) accounts in two separate banks. Find the highest paying rates on bankrate.com - you can get almost 5%.
Leave the money for a year and take time to learn more about money. Just take the nice safe interest from the government guaranteed accounts.
There's a million ways you can lose money, take time to learn before investing.
Don't buy an annuity or viaticals or real estate or put it in the screwy stock market. Stick it in the bank.
2007-12-21 22:03:19 · answer #4 · answered by indiana_crank 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi. The first thing I would do is talk to your accountant if you have one. If you prepare your own yearly income taxes, it's time to find an accountant. They should be able to steer you in the right direction. I had stocks and they were a pain in the a$$ every time I sold them. Capitol gains, time tracking,date purchased/acquired, cost factors.........a real nightmare. At least for me.
Contact an accountant. Get the basic feel from them before making any other decision.
Good luck.
2007-12-21 22:02:04 · answer #5 · answered by johnny_eagle_chops 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look up 'financial advisor' in google. You could probably go to your local bank and find someone who knows what they're talking about. But I also suggest you guys get educated in finance and investing. Pick up a book for beginners about money.
Good Luck
2007-12-21 22:00:02 · answer #6 · answered by The Professional 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to any commercial bank or large brokerage house....they should help.............
2007-12-21 22:01:36 · answer #7 · answered by richard t 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋