The changing market is also attracting some big-name players. American Express Financial Advisors, a unit of American Express, boasts of 8,000 financial advisers and 1.8 million clients across the country. When you have the names of planners who seem suitable, meet with them and get a sense of their methods and how well you get along. All of these are complex and technical, and it is unlikely that any one planner can master them all. Clients need to know where the planner will get expert help.
Many larger firms have in-house experts that individual planners can turn to.
Smaller ones usually work with other professionals such as lawyers and stockbrokers. Clients should be comfortable with these outsiders as well as with the planner. Remember that financial planning is a continuing process. The relationship you are entering should be for the long term, so choose carefully. It's no good if you don't act on it.