It’s kind of a tricky thing. The best source is always a referral but you need to find out why that person is making the referral. Do they think their financial advisor is good for the same reasons you are looking for one. You can do some research online but it is mostly regulatory information and sales propaganda that you will find. Our site, when launched, should give you an additional resource as it will be based on ratings and reviews from other people like you.

My name is Brian. I am a professional investor. I live here in Newport Beach,CA. I am a mentor. I love to help people!!! I work and advise friends of mine on investments and transactions when they need me. I do this for the love of helping my friends become financially aware and free. I am 41 and do not work outside of my house and have lots of spare time. I am not a solicitor of any product. I don’t agree with most professional advise from licensed advisers as often they are only trying to sell a product. I concentrate on selected high yield, low risk and lucrative investing and if you are interested, shoot me a mail. Good luck to you and yours!!!! Brian R.

If you work for a company that has a 401k plan you can start with your benefit administrator. Most Fortune 500 companies use Fidelity. You can call and ask to speak with a Financial Advisor.

Check around and interview several before selecting one that seems to truly understand what your long term goals are. Other firms you can try:
Edward Jones & LPL Financial are pretty well known.

You can also check your local “Best of” publication that will list the best Financial Advisors in your metro city. (Example, Best of Los Angeles, Best of Dallas..etc)

Ask for referrals from people you respect and seem to be doing well with their investments. Do your research and ask the right questions:http://www.cfp.net/learn/knowledgebase.asp?id=6

Ask family, friends and your accountant. You also should ask people who are already retired. Who do they use and how highly do you recommend them. Go to the library and borrow a book on preparing for retirement. Make a list of questions so you can properly interview anyone recommended. Do not hurry and ensure you are comfortable with this person. A good advisor draws up a plan based on your needs, expectations, current financial condition and future. Many people unrealistically believe they will need less money when retired, not true. If the advisor starts pushing products at you immediately, RUN.

I would ask your friends who they use and see if they can put you in touch with their financial adviser. The bottom line is you need to find someone whom you can trust and the first place you should look is to see who your friends trust. There are some financial advisers out there that only lookout for themselves. But, there are some really good financial advisers out there, you just need to look for them. Make sure your adviser represents financially strong companies.

ask your friends for a recommendation. If their adviser is any good, they may be willing to give you that info. An alternative would be to talk with someone at your bank/credit union. Be aware, whomever “helps” you will expect to be paid, and their “advice” may or may not work for you. Good luck.