After taking into consideration all of these factors, try to narrow your search to two or three candidates and ask them for an interview.

      Are you a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) or an Investment Advisor Representative
        (IAR)? 
      Do you acknowledge in writing you are a fiduciary when you provide financial services?
      Are you willing to provide full written disclosure for your credentials, ethics, business 
        practices, and wealth management services?
      How many years of financial experience do you have?
      What is your educational background?
      Do you hold any professional certifications or designations?
      Do you have any disclosures on your FINRA or insurance compliance records?  Do you
        have any disclosures on your criminal record?
      How are you compensated for your services?


  Stockbrokers vs. Independent Advisors: Why It Matters

If you are an investor looking for a professional to help you manage your portfolio, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of firms in the marketplace.  Not to mention the great variety of titles they carry: Wealth Manager, Financial Advisor, Investment Advisor, Financial Planner, and Wealth Advisor are just a few.  So is there a difference and does it really matter?

In reality, there are only two types of advisors available to investors: stockbrokers and independent, Registered Investment Advisors.  Read more...