I have always managed my own investments, but I've never had the time to really dig in and make sure I was doing the right thing. I stuck to the basics and invested in blue chips and mutual funds, but my strategy always seemed to produce lackluster returns, even with the great market performance the past few years. I've considered working with a personal financial advisor over the years, but I was never able to find someone who I felt was trustworthy. I've looked into some big name advisors as well, but they never seemed to understand my goals, and they always seemed more interested in making a sale than listening to what I wanted.

I decided to do some serious research and get an advisor I could trust. I asked around, and everyone half heartedly vouched for their own advisor, but I wasn't convinced they were right for me. Then I stumbled across SmartAsset, a company that is working to create a true marketplace for financial advisors. I love discovering new technology and it seemed like the perfect way for me to finally find an advisor I could trust.

When I first got to the site, they asked me to answer a questionnaire that was fairly in depth. They asked about current assets and strategies, whether I had kids and when I planned to retire. I'd normally be hesitant to provide this information online, but they've been endorsed by everyone from TechCrunch to the New York Times, and explained how the questionnaire was at the core of how they are able to match investors with the perfect advisor. So, I decided to give it a try.

The questionnaire seemed like a lot at first, but I learned that by asking all of these questions, the team at SmartAsset is able to better understand your goals and financial situation before pairing you with someone from their advisor network. Some people require financial advisors who have more experience with complicated tax returns, while other people may need someone who knows the ins and outs of personal business management and investment. They even take your kids into consideration. I learned that if you have children under the age of 18, there are tons of financial perks you may not be aware of, like you may be eligible to open up a 529 to save for college, tax savings and credits, or claim daycare for flexi expenses.

After I completed the questionnaire (which only ended up taking about 10 minutes), I gave them my email and phone number so I could communicate directly with a registered investment advisor. Within an hour, I was on the phone discussing my potential advisors with a SmartAsset team member. I was matched with three advisors in my area, and I was setup with times to screen each one personally over the phone. All three advisors were close to my house, so I would always have the option to meet in person.

The experience was completely seamless and I never felt any of the pressure I had experienced with other financial advisors in the past. I just laid out my goals and was given the chance to pick among the qualified advisors SmartAsset found for me. I've scheduled some calls with two of the advisor options who seemed interesting for this week, and I'm excited to talk to them and finally find the right advisor who understands my goals and can help me invest for retirement.