So, after all of the torture, here is our pick for the best financial professional.  His name is Eric Wilson, and he is a financial advisor for Edward Jones.  He manages one of Edward Jones' branch offices in Newport Beach, California, and he is dynamite!  Read on to see why we selected Eric and to get his contact information.  You can also read an interview with Eric here .

First, let me say that we beat this guy up pretty bad.  We peppered him with more questions than you could possibly imagine.  We tried to get him flustered.  We tried to get him mad.  We asked him the most asinine questions you could think of.  Then, a month later, we came back and asked the same questions again.  The whole time he kept us on track and focused on our retirement.  He always approached our situation with a 'let me educate you' attitude.  At the same time, he refused to recommend investments until he fully understood our situation.  Then, he provided us with a historic illustration of his recommendations so that we could see how they performed through all types of markets, including the early 2000s and the market volatility of late 2007 and 2008.  We never felt pressured or uncomfortable, and Eric always was able to explain our situation in terms that were easy to understand and relative to our situation.

But what really sealed Eric in as our best financial professional?  Eric explained to us that one of his policies is to set up quarterly reviews with his clients upon openning their accounts.  This way, the clients could see if what was happening in the portfolio was what they expected, and Eric could answer any questions the clients might have.  Of course, if issues arose in the accounts, Eric would contact the clients at any time.  However, it was very reassuring for us to know that we would have a time set, in the books, to speak with Eric every quarter for the next year.  At the end of the year, Eric would then discuss with the clients if they should keep scheduling appointments quarterly, or if they should change to a semi-annual schedule.  How much do these consultations cost?  Nothing.  Eric never charges for consultations, wether scheduled or as a result of an issue that needs to be addressed.

Eric also has implemented a system that he calls the '5 Step Asset Management Process.'  We went through the process with Eric and, in the end, learned more about our financial situation than we had ever known before.  Not only did we learn about the gaps in our situation, but we learned different strategies for investing and at the same time found ways to mitigate the risk of volatile markets and still take advantage of market growth.

Eric's contact information. Sound like the type of help you need?  Then we would highly recommend you contact Eric to schedule an initial consultation.  It doesn't cost anything, and at a minimum you will get some great advice.  Here is Eric's contact info:

          Eric Wilson, Financial Advisor
          Edward Jones
          4100 Newport Place Drive, Suite 190
          Newport Beach, CA  92660
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          Phone:  949-250-8100
          E-Mail:  eric.wilson@edwardjones.com

If you still would like more information on Eric, read his interview or visit our blog.