Money talk: a solid financial advisor brings a wealth of knowledge and experience.

• Position: How-To GUIDE

Think of yourself 10 or 20 years from now. What are the most important financial steps you will need to take to deem your future a success? In your search for a financial advisor, you are looking for a person who can help you uncover the answer. Here are five "P's" to help you choose the right financial advisor.

Have a PURPOSE

What are your needs and expectations? You may need help with debt consolidation, budgeting or savings. Alternatively, you may be looking for help establishing a comprehensive, long term plan that incorporates a variety of contingencies and provides funding for your children's college educations, while accumulating money for a comfortable retirement. A retirement specialist can not only help you accumulate wealth but, more importantly, develop a plan for a long, fruitful distribution of that wealth, while leaving a legacy to the people and organizations you care about.

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Perhaps your goal is to have a portfolio manager actively manage your investments, someone who understands your tolerance for risk (and how it is likely to change as you get older), and can help you continue to accumulate wealth within these parameters. Perhaps you want an estate planning specialist who will help you preserve and distribute the wealth you have accumulated, with Uncle Sam receiving only that to which he is entitled.

Perhaps you have goals that incorporate combinations of all of these. By first identifying what you want to accomplish, you will find an adviser to fit your needs.

Understand the PROCESS

How do you want to work with your financial adviser? Some planners will work like architects; they build the plan and coordinate its execution with several different professionals, such as CPA's, attorneys, money managers, trust officers and insurance personel. Some advisors act as subcontractors and assist in executing your plan.

Another approach is to hire someone who offers a combination of both services. Keep in mind that some experienced advisors have a defined planning process and an investment philosophy. Successful planning will ensure their process and philosophy aligns with yours.

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