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[quote=Anonymous]It's not difficult to manage money yourself, and you will save $ doing it (typically advisors charge 1 percent of your total assets that they manage, each year).  There are also reasons to let others guide you (your shortage of time, shifting of responsibility in case spouse doesn't agree with your decisions, etc.).

Hire someone with a CFP credential.  Ask them how they make their money - is it the assets under management model, or commission from products they sell, or a flat fee.  It seems rare in this area to find a flat fee planner.

You will have to decide whether you want a model where you give them all or part of your $ to manage, or if you are just seeking advice and will do it yourself.

Basic questions like saving for college or retirement etc. are fairly easy to plan for, and like a PP mentioned, Bogleheads is a good and conservative source of information.

Your advisor should listen to you, hear your situation and financial goals, and help you get there.

Basically, the advisor should tell you to save $ (about 15% of your gross income depending on your current age and savings) in your retirement accounts and in taxable accounts, fill up your 529s, save up to pay for things in cash instead of taking out loans. Your investments should be in a diversified stock portfolio, the easiest and most cost-effective being something along the lines of an S&P 500 fund.

They will also want to make sure you have your estate planning (wills etc.) in place.

Red flags are folks who want to sell you an annuity or put you into some kind of investment that you don't understand.

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