Lucky for financial advisors, not all of us know the best way to manage our money. But that doesn't necessarily mean that all financial advisors know how to best handle our money, either. If and when you're in the market for an advisor -  and it may be wise to use an established company like Hartsfield Planning, as you plan for retirement and beyond - there are several important points to consider.

Choosing someone to manage your money is a personal decision, one that will present you with a breadth of choices. It can get confusing, especially if you're not particularly money-savvy to begin with. And you must exercise caution because, surprise! There are people are out there just waiting to take advantage of poor unfortunate souls.

Mark Avallone, MBA, CFP, CRPS, and the author of Countdown To Financial Freedom suggests you ask the following questions before you choose a financial advisor:

Do I trust this person? Large banks and brokerages that are publicly traded usually have advisors with sales goals and incentives driven by volume. This means they may not always look out for YOUR best interest. Instead, research local independent advisors who live and work in your community. Ask how they are compensated, ask for references, and check their backgrounds. See who you develop a sense of trust with.

Is the advisor asking the right questions and is he or she a good listener? It's important that your advisor listens to what you want and need and understands your concerns and your fears. Your advisor should ask you deeper questions to get a sense of things like your risk tolerance and goals.

What do the designations and letters after an advisor’s name mean?  It’s a good idea to understand what each designation is, who sponsors it, and how it was earned. Certified Financial Planner®(CFP) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) take several years to complete with a proctored exam, while other programs are self-study with an online exam taken at home. Not all letters mean the same or are as impressive.

What sort of education and experience does the advisor have? It's imperative to ask about work history and education. Why? There is no academic prerequisite needed to pass a Series 7 licensing exam (the test that FINRA requires in order to sell securities) or to call oneself a ‘financial advisor’. Experience in different areas may be valuable to your specific situation.

How does the advisor get paid? The industry is moving more toward level fee-compensation and away from commission-based brokerage relationships. Level fees help the consumer know the advisor is not biased toward a product or service because of how much they get paid. There are other factors to consider, too.

Many people may be surprised to learn that financial advisors can also assist with critical healthcare decisions. Understanding the costs of Medicare, for instance, is crucial to your financial plans. If you're considering Medicare, or Medicare Advantage plans for 2021, a trusted advisor can help guide you through a decision that's right for you.

Ask the hard questions up front so you're less likely to be disappointed later!