WARNING: Anyone can call themselves a financial planner; no minimum experience or education is required by law at this time.
The Garrett Planning Network founder Sheryl Garrett offers a few tips for savvy consumers when it comes to choosing the right financial or investment advisor in her book, Personal Finance Workbook For Dummies® (Wiley, 2008, 2012). You can find these by downloading a free copy of Chapter 20 from Personal Finance Workbook For Dummies®V1. You can order the latest version of the book by clicking here.
Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions of any potential financial advisor.
Check out our Financial Advisor Interview Questionnaire (PDF Format) to use with any prospective financial advisor. It makes the job of finding the right financial advisor easier.