Opinion: Why rookie stock investors should think seriously about getting experienced financial advice

By Kevin R. Keller, CAE, CFP Board CEO March 10, 2021 MarketWatch

Financial planners can help preserve new wealth and find ways to build it

Retail trading has captured the attention of the financial world over the past year as first-time investors have poured money into the stock market. More than 10 million new brokerage accounts were created in 2020. So far in 2021 the spotlight has been on the irrational rise of share prices of companies such as GameStop GME, 1.76% and AMC Entertainment Holdings AMC, -3.32%.

With assets to leverage and more government stimulus on the way, first-time investors are at a crossroads. Should these rookies soldier on alone with their trading and investment accounts or enlist a financial adviser’s help?