TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire -02/28/12)- As the February 29th deadline approaches to make a contribution to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and as part of its ongoing commitment to improving financial literacy, BMO Financial Group will be providing daily retirement tips during the month of February from BMO Retirement Institute Head Tina Di Vito's new book 52 Ways To Wreck Your Retirement...And How To Rescue It.

Tip Number 51:

Choose a professional financial advisor to help you meet your retirement savings goals

A comprehensive, integrated retirement plan requires a lot of financial expertise and time. If you feel you have both, then a do-it-yourself approach can work. If you are seeking professional planning and investment advice, then here are the questions you should ask an advisor before deciding to move forward with him/her:

-- What is your strategy for building a retirement plan?
-- What is your area of expertise?
-- What designations or licences do you hold?
-- What other experts do you work with - estate planners, tax experts,
lawyers?
-- How are you paid?
-- Describe your client base - how many clients do you have?
-- How did you attract those clients?
-- How often do you meet face to face with clients?
-- How and how often do you communicate with clients?
-- What is your investment philosophy?

If you are looking for an advisor, ask friends and family how they found their advisors and if they would recommend them. You can also contact your bank or the professional organization that regulates the type of financial professional you are seeking and ask for a list of members located in your area.

For more information on retirement: http://www.bmo.com/retirement.

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Originally posted here:
BMO Retirement Tip of the Day: Know How to Choose a Financial Advisor