It’s a jungle out there. Don’t be shy when it comes to getting the right financial guidance, because after all, it’s YOUR MONEY. Call around, get recommendations, and check references. Here’s useful information to help separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to choosing an advisor:

* CFP (Certified Financial Planner): designation bestowed upon an independent financial counselor, awarded by colleges accredited through the International Board of Standards & Practices for Certified Financial Planners, Englewood, Colorado. 800-322-4237

* ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant): a program of study consisting of six required parts plus four electives, with 10 two-hour exams, administered by the American College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. 215-526-1000. Also offered as a correspondence course.* MSFS (Master of Science in Financial Services): A degree awarded by the American College to students completing advanced courses in financial planning.

* RFP (Registered Financial Planner): A designation offered by the International Association for Financial Planning to their members who prove they have had three years full-time practice as a planner and have either a business degree plus a brokerage securities license or an insurance license.

* RIA (Registered Investment Advisor): Registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission which signifies that the candidate has provided written information about fees, types of clients, investment specialties, education, industry affiliation, and compensation. Note: there is no requirement for formal training.

Don’t hesitate to grill potential candidates with the following questions:

• Is your firm’s balance sheet and income statement available for my review?
• Do you have a disclosure statement conveying the names and backgrounds of management and staff, potential conflicts of interest, and methods of compensation?
•  How long has your company been in the financial counseling business? How long have you been in the profession?
• Do you have letter from existing clients for my review?
• What other resources and benefits are available through your firm?
• What percentage of your earnings is from investment advisory, tax services and planning, real estate, and commissions? What financial certifications, designations, and licenses do you maintain?

Now the tough questions. If the professional with whom you are meeting is still breathing, here’s a second round of questions:

• Is your firm financially sound?
• Have you ever filed for bankruptcy personally?
• Has any client ever sued you?
• Have any of you licenses or certifications ever been suspended or revoked?
• Have you ever been censored by the Securities and Exchange Commission?
• Have you ever been reprimanded by any of the professional societies or any state regulatory agencies?
• What safeguards are there in my doing business with you?
• Why should I do business with you?