And then of course, the next question to ask is -- after deciding you do want to talk to a financial planner -- how do I find one? Here are five simple steps to follow in order to clarify your relationship – and your expectation of objectivity – with your financial advisor:

1. Deal with a Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner. Regardless of what type of firm they work with, you will have a better chance of a CFP working in your best interest. Remember though, there are no guarantees in such matters.

2. Ask how your advisor is compensated. A fee-only relationship is best. Commission-based advisors can never really ensure that they are totally objective. And best yet: an advisor that bases their compensation strictly on an hourly fee is most likely to render objective advice.

3. Whenever there is an investment product discussed, be sure to ask you financial consultant if there are any potential conflicts of interest that should be revealed as a part of your decision process. Are they, or their firm, receiving any additional compensation for the sale of the proposed investment?

4. Be sure to ask if there are any past or pending disciplinary actions against your advisor, and if so, get full details.

5. Ask if your advisor is acting as a fiduciary -- putting your interests ahead of all others. If they say they are, ask for them to give you that fiduciary assurance in writing.