I am seeking an Advisor/Planner

[Terence Crafton]

How do I go about finding a CFA/CFP in the Kansas City Missouri area? Do banks (Commerce Bank in particular) have any of these agents? I just moved back into the area. Thank you for your time and help in advance. 

[Kyle Mast]

Kyle Mast, CFP here.  I sold my firm a couple years ago so my input here comes without any bias.  I just keep my credential cuz I love this stuff. :)

Check out episode 41 of the BiggerPockets Money podcast where I discuss this in detail: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/biggerpockets-money-podca...

First, the CFP credential is the baseline you should look for.  I would also suggest a "fee-only" CFP, which means they are compensated by charging you transparent fees and they do not receive commissions for selling investment products or vehicles.

Second, I would specifically ask any CFP you interview whether or not they PERSONALLY own real estate and what kind.  You want to find one that is as close to your own investment strategy as possible.

Third, although a bank may have someone who is a CFP, it doesn't mean they have the experience you need.  CFPs that work for large banking institutions are nearly never "fee-only" which is what you want.

It can be hard to find a good CFP that is a fit for you but it is definitely worth the search and cost as they will likey save you tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars over your investing career by helping you implement the correct financial planning.

I've mentioned it often on the BP Money Podcast but I would definitely suggest using the XY Planning Network in your search.  It is an CFP industry trade group of "fee-only" CFPs.  You can use their "Find an Advisor" tool to specifically look for a CFP that specializes in your situation (e.g real estate).

I'm happy to answer any other CFP search questions you have!

Best of luck!