Hi friends. Thanks for downloading the Money Girl Podcast. I'm Laura Adams.

You know you should be investing your money wisely to build wealth for the future.

But if you're like most people, you may not have enough time, knowledge, or motivation to get the job done on your own.

This is the first episode in a two-part series where we'll discuss how to find and prepare for your first meeting with a financial advisor.

When you think of a financial advisor, what comes to mind?

A greedy Wall Street type who's screaming out buy and sell orders in the middle of the stock exchange?

Although those people do exist, that's not with the typical financial advisor for individuals is really like.

There are many different kinds of advisors in the financial industry.

Therefore, it's important to get to know who they are and how they can help you.

No matter if you're choosing an advisor for the first time or switching to a new one,

the right advisor can be your best ally for achieving your financial dreams.

Here are three of the most common types of financial advisors for individuals.

Advisor type number one, a certified financial planner or CFP.

A certified financial planner will assess your finances from a high level

and help you create a financial plan to achieve your goals.

These professionals must pass rigorous exams that cover investing, retirement, estate planning, taxes, and insurance.

Additionally, a CFP must have three years of planning experience under his or her belt

and stay up to date by completing continuing education every year.

Use a CFP when you need guidance about how to accomplish a variety of financial goals,

like planning for retirement, sending a child to college or buying life insurance.

They can educate you about product options,

help you manage financial risk,

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