Unlike someone who calls themselves a CPA or a doctor, almost anyone can call themselves a “financial planner” or “financial advisor,” regardless of their educational background and professional experience. Furthermore, not all are impartial in their advice and not all always act in the best interest of their clients.

To make sure your financial planner is well-qualified in personal finance and unbiased in his advice, consider the following five things:

1. Planning Credentials: Holding a highly regarded credential in financial planning, such as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), confirms that the professional you intend to work with has acquired the necessary education and experience to serve as a financial planner. The CFP and PFS credentials are awarded only to those individuals who have met the certification requirements for education and experience in personal financial planning. In addition, they must pass certification exams and agree to meet standards of practice and continuing education requirements.

2. Subject matter expertise: Financial planners are planning professionals, not necessarily subject matter experts. For example, a financial planner will be an expert in tax planning and analysis, but unlike an IRS Certified Public Account (CPA) or Enrolled Agent (EA), they may not necessarily be a subject matter expert when it comes to tax rules. he may have the ability to draw up an investment plan, but unlike a certified financial analyst (CFA), he may not be an authority on the subject of investing. Work with a financial planner who is also a subject matter expert in those areas of personal finance that are important to achieving your financial goals.

3. Client specialization: Not all financial planners serve all types of clients. Most specialize in serving only certain types of customers with specific profiles. For example, a personal planner can develop their expertise and customize their services to serve only those individuals and families who are in certain professions, or at a particular stage of life with specific financial goals and net worth. Ask if the planner specializes in serving only certain types of clients with specific profiles to determine if he or she is the right fit for your situation and financial goals.

4. Fee Structure: The fee structure largely determines whose interests you serve best: your client’s or your own. A paid professional only charges fees for their advice, while a paid professional not only charges fees, but also earns commissions, referral fees, and other financial incentives on the products and solutions they recommend to you. Consequently, the advice of a fee-only one is more likely to be more impartial and in your best interests than the advice of a fee-charging financial planner. Work with a professional whose fee structure is free of conflict and aligned to benefit you.

5. Availability: He or she must be regularly available, attentive and accessible to you. Ask the planner how many clients he currently serves and the maximum number of clients he plans to regularly serve in the future. This client to scheduler ratio is one of the key factors in assessing your scheduler’s availability to you in the future. Also, ask which planning activities are typically performed by the planner and which are delegated to a paraplanner or other junior staff members. Lastly, make sure the scheduler is easily accessible by phone and email during normal business hours.

Once you’ve shortlisted a few well-qualified and unbiased financial planners in your local area, check out the ones that offer a FREE initial consultation first. During the initial consultation, evaluate the planner’s availability and any other professional attributes you’re looking for in your financial planner.

Having a well-qualified and unbiased financial planner by your side is extremely important on your journey towards your financial goals. When looking for one, consider the planner’s professional credentials, client specialization, subject matter expertise, fee structure, and availability to select the right financial planner for your needs.