A financial advisor can help you create a retirement plan that fits your lifestyle and needs. The Financial Advisor Checklist, from The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, is an excellent way to get an overview of an advisor’s capabilities. Print copies of this checklist and present it to the advisors you are considering hiring. Use their responses as a basis for then deciding which advisor to interview.

Accredited Investment Fiduciary: a fiduciary is a professional entrusted to manage assets or wealth while putting the client’s best interests first at all times. By law, they must act solely in the best interest of their clients.

From budgeting, to planning for retirement, to saving for education, to managing your taxes and your insurance coverage, CFP® professionals have completed extensive training and experience requirements and are held to rigorous ethical standards. Learn more with the Consumer Guide to Financial Planning from Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.

According to WrapManager, an independent investment advisor firm, a Certified Wealth Strategist (CWS) has specific training focused on advising higher net worth individuals (typically those with $1 million or more in liquid assets). CWS’ have a unique perspective on how to collaborate with clients and their financial influencers to work effectively with complex client issues.

General financial services such as 401(k), IRA, and alternative retirement solutions.

A CPA (certified public accountant) is a trusted financial adviser who may provide services in tax and financial planning, assurance services, forensic accounting, and accounting consulting.

Investment services may help with retirement planning, wealth management, income strategies, and college planning services.