You may want to restrict your search to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER[™ professionals]. These professionals have passed certain exams and have a particular amount of experience as determined by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. The organization offers a searchable database of CFP[®  professionals] by location.

Before meeting with any of the planners on your list, check the CFP [Board] database to see whether they have been the subject of any complaints or disciplinary actions. Those with spotty records may warrant being crossed off your list.

TheStreet.com
Peter McDougall
August 22, 2008