I've been at a company for a few years and have some restricted stock units (RSUs) that have vested. I'm on E*Trade and know a little about stocks, but I'm no expert.
Is there a financial advisor of some kind, someone people usually speak with to get guidance and create a plan to reach investment goals etc., for something like this?
Would I find one through E*Trade, through another company, etc.? How do I find a good one? Or do people usually handle stocks by themselves?
I'm a retired stockbroker/Registered Investment Advisor. My initial discussions with prospects never had a fee. Restricted stock is unsaleable without specific permission from the issuing company, and typically involves time specifc periods when stock can be sold and/or amounts of stock that can be sold. Not for DIY. Financial planners may be able to assist you, if they are conversant in restricted stock, though that's not a common situation for most clients. Any stockbroker at a major firm (Merrill Lynch, UBS, Royal Bank of Canada, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, etc.) will be knowledgeable and advise you (w/o charge) how to trade the stock. Always talk to more than one firm, and don't be in a hurry. If you feel comfortable with the discussion, you can pursue a deeper relationship. In my professional experience, clients valued service, accessibility, knowledge. Price was way down on the list; many of my clients were not wealthy people- they just needed help navigating a very confusing (and necessary) part of their lives. Good luck.
