PROTECT YOURSELF
Finding a financial adviser to manage your money is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. Visit these websites and you'll be well-equipped to choose:
Investor.gov: A page created by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for individuals wanting to learn more about avoiding financial scams. There's also a link for looking up an investment adviser's Form ADV, which outlines an adviser's education, background and a decade's worth of disciplinary history. The SEC doesn't require the second part of the form addressing fees and investment strategy to be filed electronically. Ask your adviser to see it.
FINRA.org: The independent regulator for securities firms has broker records online. It also has a handy guide to the alphabet soup of professional designations.
NAPFA.org: Definitely take a look at the Comprehensive Financial Advisor Diagnostic from the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, a membership group for fee-only financial planners. You can find it at www.napfa.org/tips_tools/index.asp.
KARA MCGUIRE
