In choosing a financial adviser who meets your needs, follow these simple steps: » Align your interests by working with a fee-only adviser, meaning one who does not accept commissions. You can find a fee-only adviser through the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, at napfa.org. Some fee-only advisers, as well as some brokers, charge a percentage of your assets to manage your money. Others charge a fee to help you set up a financial plan or for periodic advice. You can locate an hourly adviser through the Garrett Planning Network, at garrettplanningnetwork.com.
» Learn the alphabet soup. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a generalist who should be able to help you with your whole financial picture. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation indicates particular expertise in investing. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a tax whiz. And a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) has extensive training in insurance and estate planning.
