7. How to Invest

d. Selecting a Financial Professional

Second, check out some financial professionals.

Once you have decided the type of service you want, then you start the search for the professional.  Many people ask for recommendations from friends, co-workers, or professionals that they know and trust.  If the broker or investment advisor has a website, check it out.

Before doing business with any broker, contact your state’s Division of Securities to see if the broker is properly licensed and registered to do business in the state.  Also ask if the broker has a history of regulatory violations, disciplinary actions or investor complaints. See Colorado’s Division of Securities website .

Also check out the advisor or broker at the Financial Industry Fiduciary Authority (FINRA).  This body imposes standards of fair practice on members and takes disciplinary action when violations occur.  Their website is www.finra.org.

To check out a Certified Financial Planner ®, contact the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards at www.CFP.net/search.  Other sources for information include the Financial Planning Association, www.fpanet.org, the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, www.napfa.org, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants—Personal Financial Planning Division, www.aicpa.org or the Society of Financial Service Professionals, and www.financialpro.org.