"Despite two years under the Dodd-Frank financial reform law, millions of investors are still highly vulnerable when it comes to advisers. Buffeted by relentless lobbying by the financial services industry, the strongest pieces of Dodd-Frank have yet to be implemented. Here are key questions you need to ask a prospective financial adviser before you sign up: 1. How are you compensated? ... 2. How are you licensed? ... 3. What products do you sell? ... 4. Can you prepare a comprehensive financial plan? ... 5. Are you a fiduciary? ... And don't hesitate to keep asking hard questions, especially in light of the fraud stories hitting headlines."