Now, more than ever, it is important to develop a relationship with a “trusted adviser.” Finding a good adviser is mostly about finding a good relationship that you will want to continue into the future.

Imagine in your personal life that you are dating, on your first or second date you are asked for all your financial information and requested access to the most important fears, goals and dreams you have for your family, career, charitable interests and life. The relationship may seem like it is progressing too fast for most of us.

Finding the right adviser is similar; however, most of the time you are trying to get a jump-start by getting a referral from someone you trust and respect. That might get you to the fourth “date,” and then you are off on your own decision.

Over the years, I have seen many methods to help advisers learn to relate to clients in an attempt to widen the potential number of customers who will feel connected. While I’m not criticizing this process, it can sometimes feel a bit stilted. For example, if you are a very technical person and wish to keep “to just the facts,” and an adviser is trying to understand how you feel, your comfort level may not be present. This also can occur if your style is a visual one, but the adviser can only relate via columns of numbers. This is not to say either party is at fault but rather it is not the right fit.

The same is true if you are just starting on your financial freedom journey but the adviser is a well-established firm that charges for more expertise than you need at this time; they will feel expensive. Or possibly you just want the money managed without comprehensive planning. Most firms that offer any planning may not be a good fit.

Recently, the Financial Planning Association national education conference was in Seattle. Present was every shape, size, gender, experience level, practice focus, personality type and background of adviser you could imagine. Also present were numerous vendors demonstrating the latest software, tools, investment ideas, research, and broker/dealer relationship and client support ideas available. Wading through all the options can bring its own challenges.

A prospective client recently reminded me of this fact, that there is someone for everybody out there. Most of our clients come from the referrals of those around us. As a result, the trust we have developed is initially transferred to the new relationship, but we still have to earn it independent of the referral. Rarely are they “shopping” for an adviser by evaluating several.

Occasionally, we meet someone from a nonpersonal source, such as a Web site. When that happens, the “shopping” process is more likely. It is common for those who shop to see several types of practices and advisers. It is important to find someone who can relate to you in your terms and has a practice where the fit is a good one. You really don’t want to work with someone when you are not in his or her practice focus; this may be an unsatisfactory relationship going forward. Also, look for a comfort level when it comes to the office environment, formal vs. casual style, personality match and staff strengths.

There are resources to help in your search. The FPA has a Web-based search at www.fpanet.org/plannersearch/. The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Web site also has a search, www.cfp.net. The American College (sponsors of the designations CLU and ChFC) also has an adviser search at www.theamericancollege.edu/subpage.php?pageId=144. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, formerly known as the National Association of Securities Dealers, is a regulating agency for the securities business. It, too, has a Web site to assist consumers in their search for advisers at www.finra.org.

In our practice, we provide clients a book titled “Values Based Financial Planning, The Art of Creating an Inspiring Financial Strategy,” written by Bill Bachrach (available at Amazon.com). This assists clients in the organization of their thoughts and needs. The book also discusses topics such as how to find and interview trusted advisers. For a limited time and quantity, we have complimentary copies in which I wrote the forward. Just e-mail Denine at denine@tfsadvisors.com or call our office. Happy hunting!

Dale Terwedo, certified as a CFP, ChFC and CLU, is principal of Terwedo Financial Services LLC, an independent financial services firm in Edmonds. In practice since 1983, Terwedo offers securities and investment advice through FSC Securities Corp., Atlanta, Ga., a Registered Broker/Dealer, Member of FINRA/SIPC and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. For more information, visit online at www.tfsadvisors.com, e-mail retire@tfsadvisors.com or call 425-776-0446.