My wife and I have been talking about our future and have been dreaming about the day we can retire. We need to discuss our finances, etc. with an expert to see what if anything we should or could be doing differently. The task of finding a qualified, honest individual makes me nervous as how do I know who to trust? For those of you that deal with a financial planner/retirement specialist or whatever they call themselves, how did you select them?
I want to add that my nervousness stems from knowing a certified financial planner that is a full on idiot and his finances are a train wreck. The thought of ending up with someone like him scares me.
One thing I will advise you to do is treat them like a Dr. Get a second, or even third opinion. I can point you to someone in Irmo(and I have nothing to gain from this, as he is my husband-in-law) if you want.
Use a reputable firm such as Morgan Stanly and check out the adviser with the SEC. They keep track of complaints on each broker/ advisor and publish the complaint and the resolution. I have been dealing with the same person for over twenty years and don’t have any complaints. PM me and I can give you his contact information.