|                                                                               | **10 Questions         to Ask When Choosing a Financial Planner**

You may be considering help from a financial planner for a number of         reasons, whether it's deciding to buy a new home, planning for retirement         or your children's education, or simply not having the time or expertise         to get your finances in order. Whatever your needs, working with a financial         planner can be a helpful step in securing your financial future.

The questions in this brochure will help you interview and evaluate several         financial planners to find the one that's right for you. You will want         to select a competent, qualified professional with whom you feel comfortable,         one whose business style suits your financial planning needs. An interview         checklist has been included for your convenience.
10             Questions Checklist             for Interviewing a Financial Planner To             Check the Disciplinary History of a Financial Planner or AdviserTo Find a Financial             Planner in Your Area Learn About             Financial Planning Online About CFP             Board                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  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| **10       Questions**                                                        |
| | back       to top                                                           | **1. What experience do you have?**      Find out how long the planner has been in practice and the number and types       of companies with which she has been associated. Ask the planner to briefly       describe her work experience and how it relates to her current practice.       Choose a financial planner who has experience counseling individuals on       their financial needs.       
**2. What are your qualifications?**        The term "financial planner" is used by many financial professionals.         Ask the planner what qualifies him to offer financial planning advice         and whether he is recognized as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional         or CFP® practitioner, a Certified Public Accountant/ Personal Financial         Specialist (CPA/PFS), or a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC). Look         for a planner who has proven experience in financial planning topics such         as insurance, tax planning, investments, estate planning or retirement         planning. Determine what steps the planner takes to stay current with         changes and developments in the financial planning field. If the planner         holds a financial planning designation or certification, check on his         background with CFP Board or other relevant professional organizations.

**3. What services do you offer?**        The services a financial planner offers depend on a number of factors         including credentials, licenses and areas of expertise. Generally, financial         planners cannot sell insurance or securities products such as mutual funds         or stocks without the proper licenses, or give investment advice unless         registered with state or Federal authorities. Some planners offer financial         planning advice on a range of topics but do not sell financial products.         Others may provide advice only in specific areas such as estate planning         or on tax matters.

**4. What is your approach to financial planning?**        Ask the financial planner about the type of clients and financial situations         she typically likes to work with. Some planners prefer to develop one         plan by bringing together allof your financial goals. Others provide advice         on specific areas, as needed. Make sure the planner's viewpoint on investing         is not too cautious or overly aggressive for you. Some planners require         you to have a certain net worth before offering services. Find out if         the planner will carry out the financial recommendations developed for         you or refer you to others who will do so. 

**5. Will you be the only person working with me?**        The financial planner may work with you himself or have others in the         office assist him. You may want to meet everyone who will be working with         you. If the planner works with professionals outside his own practice         (such as attorneys, insurance agents or tax specialists) to develop or         carry out financial planning recommendations, get a list of their names         to check on their backgrounds.

**6. How will I pay for your services?**        As part of your financial planning agreement, the financial planner should         clearly tell you in writing how she will be paid for the services to be         provided. 

Planners can be paid in several ways:
- A salary paid by the company for which the planner works. The planner's           employer receives payment from you or others, either in fees or commissions,           in order to pay the planner's salary.   
- Fees based on an hourly rate, a flat rate, or on a percentage of your           assets and/or income.  
- Commissions paid by a third party from the products sold to you to           carry out the financial planning recommendations. Commissions are usually           a percentage of the amount you invest in a product.  
- A combination of fees and commissions whereby fees are charged for           the amount of work done to develop financial planning recommendations           and commissions are received from any products sold. In addition, some           planners may offset some portion of the fees you pay if they receive           commissions for carrying out their recommendations.

**7. How much do you typically charge?**        While the amount you pay the planner will depend on your particular needs,         the financial planner should be able to provide you with an estimate of         possible costs based on the work to be performed. Such costs should include         the planner's hourly rates or flat fees or the percentage he would receive         as commission on products you may purchase as part of the financial planning         recommendations. 

**8. Could anyone besides me benefit from your recommendations?**        Some business relationships or partnerships that a planner has could affect         her professional judgment while working with you, inhibiting the planner         from acting in your best interest. Ask the planner to provide you with         a description of her conflicts of interest in writing. For example, financial         planners who sell insurance policies, securities or mutual funds have         a business relationship with the companies that provide these financial         products. The planner may also have relationships or partnerships that         should be disclosed to you, such as business she receives for referring         you to an insurance agent, accountant or attorney for implementation of         planning suggestions.

**9. Have you ever been publicly disciplined for any unlawful or unethical         actions in your professional career?**        Several government and professional regulatory organizations, such as         the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), your state insurance         and securities departments, and CFP Board keep records on the disciplinary         history of financial planners and advisers. Ask what organizations the         planner is regulated by and contact these groups to conduct a background         check. (See listing at right.) All financial planners who have registered         as investment advisers with the Securities and Exchange Commission or         state securities agencies, or who are associated with a company that is         registered as an investment adviser, must be able to provide you with         a disclosure form called Form ADV Part II or the state equivalent of that         form.

**10. Can I have it in writing?**        Ask the planner to provide you with a written agreement that details the         services that will be provided. Keep this document in your files for future         reference. |
| **Checklist       for Interviewing a Financial Planner**                      |
| | back       to top                                                           | Planner's Name: __________________________________________________       
Company: _______________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________

Phone: __________________________________________________________

Date: ___________________________________________________________

1. Do you have experience in providing advice on the topics below? If         yes, indicate the number of years. 
- Retirement planning
- Investment planning
- Tax planning
- Estate planning
- Insurance planning
- Integrated planning
- Other

2. What are your areas of specialization?

What qualifies you in this field?

3. a. How long have you been offering financial planning advice to clients?
- Less than one year
- One to four years
- Five to 10 years
- More than 10 years

b. How many clients do you currently         have?
- Less than 10 clients
- 10 to 39
- 40 to 79
- 80 +

4. Briefly describe your work history.

5. What are your educational qualifications?             Give area of study.
- Certificate
- Undergraduate degree
- Advanced degree
- Other

6. What financial planning designation(s) or certification(s) do you         hold?
- Certified Financial           Planner ™ or CFP ®
- Certified Public Accountant/Personal Financial Specialist (CPA/PFS)
- Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
- Other

7. What financial planning continuing education requirements do you fulfill?

8.What licenses do you hold?
- Insurance
- Securities
- CPA
- J.D.
- Other

9. a. Are you personally licensed or registered as an Investment Adviser         with the:
- State(s)?
- Federal Government?

If no, why not?

b. Is your firm licensed or registered         as an Investment Adviser with the:
- State(s)?
- Federal Government?

If no, why not?

c. Will you provide me with your disclosure         document Form ADV Part II or its state equivalent?
- Yes
- No

If no, why not?

10. What services do you offer?

11. Describe your approach to financial planning.

12. a. Who will work with me?
- Planner
- Associate(s)

b. Will the same individual(s) review         my financial situation?
- Yes
- No

If no, who will?

13. How are you paid for your services?
- Fee
- Commission
- Fee and commission
- Salary
- Other

14. What do you typically charge?

a. Fee:

Hourly rate $ _________ 

Flat fee (range) $ _________ to         $ _________

Percentage of assets under management         _________ percent

b. Commission:

What is the approximate percentage         of the investment or premium you receive on: 

 stocks and bonds _________        mutual funds _________        annuities _________        insurance products _________        other _________

15. a. Do you have a business affiliation with any company whose products         or services you are recommending?
- Yes
- No

Explain:

b. Is any of your compensation based         on selling products?
- Yes
- No

Explain:

c. Do professionals and sales agents         to whom you may refer me send business, fees or any other benefits to         you?
- Yes
- No

Explain:

d. Do you have an affiliation with a         broker/dealer?
- Yes
- No

e. Are you an owner of, or connected         with, any other company whose services or products I will use?
- Yes
- No

Explain:

16. Do you provide a written client engagement agreement?
- Yes
- No

If no, why not?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |
| **To       Check the Disciplinary History of a Financial Planner or Adviser** |
| | back to top                                                                 | Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.        888-237-6275 - www.CFP.net/search

North American Securities Administrators Association        202-737-0900 - www.nasaa.org

National Association of Insurance Commissioners        816-842-3600 - www.naic.org

National Association of Securities         Dealers Regulation        800-289-9999 - www.nasdr.com

National Fraud Exchange (fee involved)        800-822-0416

Securities and Exchange Commission        202-942-7040 - www.sec.gov                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  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| **To       Find a Financial Planner in Your Area**                            |
| | back to top                                                                 | Financial Planning Association        800-282-7526 - www.fpanet.org

National Association of Personal Financial Advisors        888-333-6659 - www.napfa.org

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants/Personal Financial         Planning Division        888-999-9256 - www.aicpa.org

Society of Financial Service Professionals        888-243-2258 - www.financialpro.org                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        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| **Learn About       Financial Planning Online**                               |
| | back       to top                                                           | CFP Board's Web site, www.CFP.net/learn,       is a comprehensive resource for financial planning, offering useful information       for visitors at every stage of the financial planning learning curve. Interactive       tools provide help for your personal situation, including changing jobs,       managing debt, planning your retirement and more. Join the eNewsletter for       updates and check back regularly to participate in polls and quizzes.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  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| **About       CFP Board**                                                     |
| | back       to top                                                           | The information in this brochure is provided as a public service by Certified         Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board). A nonprofit, professional         regulatory organization, CFP Board fosters professional standards in personal         financial planning so that the public values, has access to and benefits         from competent and ethical financial planning.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of Investor Education         and Assistance has reviewed this publication. The SEC does not endorse         the commercial activities, products or members of this or any other private         organization.

It's your future. Plan it!SM is a service mark owned by Certified         Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc.        This publication may be reprinted for educational and nonprofit purposes         only.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.        1670 Broadway, Suite 600, Denver, Colorado 80202-4809        Consumer Toll-free Number: 888-CFP-MARK (888-237-6275)        P: 303-830-7500        F: 303-860-7388        E: mail@CFP-Board.org        W: www.CFP.net/learn

Copyright © 1998-2003, Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards         Inc. All rights reserved.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                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