Ask if they are a “Registered Investment Advisor” (RIA). If yes, then they owe you a fiduciary duty to put your needs first. If no, then they are financial professionals who only need to meet a lesser standard called “suitability;” i.e., anything that is sold to you should be “appropriate” for you, but not necessarily in your best interest. GFG is a San Mateo-based Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) with fiduciary responsibility.For further information read “How to Choose a Financial Advisor: 10 Questions to Ask,” Oct. 9, 2013 at www.jillonmoney.com. Also, see “50 Things: What a Professional Financial Advisor Does for You” at www.goshofinancialgroup.com.