From the CFP Board, (www.cfpboard.org) important tips to help the public:

• Identify common “red flags” that signal an unethical or unqualified financial advisor,
   
• Learn what they can do to protect themselves,
   
• Take the steps required to select a qualified financial advisor, and
   
• Feel empowered when making financial decisions with the help of an advisor.

See http://www.cfp.net/learn/FinancialSelfDefense/welcome.asp

Bob Goldman Financial Planning provides hourly, as-needed financial planning and investment advice. Unlike many financial advisors, we do not sell stocks, annuities or insurance policies, nor do we manage client investments. Therefore, we do not receive commissions or fees for management services or sales. This enables us to be 100% objective. And in difficult economic times like these, an objective view of your current financial situation may be exactly what you need most. See www.bgplanning.com.

Jeffrey Stoffer CFA, CFP, is a Principal of Stoffer Wealth Advisors, an investment management and financial planning firm serving the San Francisco Bay Area. See www.stofferwealthadvisors.com

Here is a fine workbook to help you plan for retirement:

http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/pdf/nearretirement.pdf

www.transparentinvesting.com  provides investment insights and consumer advocacy for investors. We help you become aware of how to make smart decisions regarding what services to buy and how much to pay. If you’re going to become a smart consumer of investment products and services, you’ll need to understand at least the basics of fees, or how advisors and investment managers get paid by you. For a comprehensive discussion of facts and factors you should know about as you learn about investing vist this website