A financial advisor is a person who advises people of all walks of life on financial affairs. He is a very valuable servicer in the area of saving money and making investments. He makes investment decisions, manages your finances and gives you all financial advice. Thus he influences the vital decisions in your life, career, business and future.

So the financial advisor should definitely be a qualified and experienced person who has experience with various financial matters. In matters related to money, experience counts. Practice makes perfect, says the proverb. You can never risk your career and money for unintelligent advice. So qualification and competence matter.

How will you check a financial advisor's credentials? Of course the reputation and references are important. Credentials must also be considered. The designations may sometimes vary, like financial consultant or certified financial planner. They of course are professionally qualified for the post.

Next is the educational background. Here you have strike the right balance. You might find some very brilliant and competent financial advisors who have made a name through their vast experience. In such cases sometimes you won't find the right educational qualifications, but experience matters more. The reverse is also possible. Those with a good educational background may not prove competent. So check an advisor's work history and understand how he approaches the market and other financial equations.

Next is the remuneration. Opt for a person who works only for a fee and not on commission. Those persons may not be reliable, because they will force you to unwanted financial commitments.