You should evaluate a financial adviser's qualifications the same way you would any professional you were considering hiring. Among the most important qualifications are:
Experience
Five years isn't too much experience to require from your financial adviser. The less experienced you are, the more important an experienced adviser can be.
Reputation
Referrals from people you trust are important. Plus, you can learn a lot by talking to a potential adviser's references.
Expertise
Financial advisers have different areas of expertise, so you should consider the type of advice you need before making your choice.
Compatibility
Regardless of qualifications, your financial adviser has to be someone with whom you feel comfortable and can build a trusting relationship.
