How Are You Compensated?

• Knowing how your retirement planner is compensated is essential. If you choose a planner who works on commission, you may never truly know if the investments that planner recommends are based on your own needs or the planner's need for a commission check. Choosing a retirement planner who does not rely on commissions to make a living can eliminate this potential conflict of interest.
  
  

What Is Your Background and Education?

• The retirement planner you choose will bring a lifetime of background and education to your account, so it is important to choose a planner who has what's necessary to help you make the most of your money. Look for a retirement planner who has been through both up and down markets, and who has a track record of success in many different market conditions. Some retirement planners specialize in helping younger workers prepare for retirement, while others focus on helping those in retirement make the most of their money and help it last. It helps to find a planner whose area of expertise and training matches your own needs.
  
  

Do You Provide Estate Planning Services?

• Estate planning can be very important for those entering or in retirement. If you need help with your estate planning, look for a retirement planner who can also provide advice and guidance for the money you plan to leave to your heirs. Not all retirement planners can provide these services, so it is important to ask this question if you want to make estate planning part of your overall retirement strategy.
  
  

What Are Your Fees?

• If you work with a fee-only retirement planner, you can be sure that he does not have a conflict of interest in the investments being recommended. But you do need to determine just how much of a bite those fees will take out of your retirement portfolio. When you interview any retirement planner, you need to determine what fees he will charge to manage your money.