Getting personal help

Need help with your own situation?

I get a lot of "can you look at my situation?" I can't, because the right answer depends on things I'll never see from a comment section. Here's how to find someone who can, and how to check them out first.

For investing and planning

Look for a fee-only planner, which basically just means you pay them directly and they don't earn commissions on what they sell you. Ask them to put in writing that they act as a fiduciary, meaning they have to put your interests first.

NAPFA: fee-only advisers.
XY Planning Network: fee-only planners, many with no minimum account size.
Garrett Planning Network: hourly, fee-only planners.

For taxes

The IRS has a guide to choosing a tax professional, and a directory of preparers with credentials.
Your state's CPA society usually has a "find a CPA" search too.

Check them out before you hire them

FINRA BrokerCheck: brokers and their disciplinary history.
SEC adviser search: registered investment advisers, their fees and any problems.
CPAverify: whether a CPA's license is active.
Investor.gov: the SEC's checklist of questions to ask.

Three questions I'd ask anyone

How exactly do you get paid, in dollars, for working with me?
Will you put in writing that you're a fiduciary for everything you recommend?
What would you have me do differently from what I'm doing now, and why?

I don't get paid for any of these links. If that ever changes, it'll say so right here.