Don’t just put your money with the first financial planner you meet with. Do your research online, then ask around. Often, word of mouth is the best way to find a great financial planner.

Ideally, you should ask friends or relatives who have similar goals and strategies regarding finances. This will help you find a financial planner who is a better fit. You canĀ find a financial planner through your local bank, a brokerage firm, or through a professional organization, such as The Financial Planning Association.