"[W]orking with a competent professional is still the best chance many people have to achieve a comfortable retirement.... Here are a few qualifying questions you should ask if you are thinking about hiring a financial planner: [1] What are your qualifications, and how do these qualifications benefit me? ... [2] What exactly do you do for your clients? ... [3] What is the income and asset level of your typical client? ... [4] How are you compensated? ... [5] Do you know anybody who can help me with other services?"  MORE >>