2nd opinion on your retirement plan

NEW YORK (Money Magazine) -- Q. My husband and I have all our money at a brokerage that seems reputable, but we're a little nervous about following our adviser's investment suggestions. How do we get comfortable with her and her firm? -- Lynne L., North Attleborough, Mass.

George Mannes, Money magazine senior writer says:

A. If this were a doctor advising you about a medical treatment, you'd get a second opinion about a proposed course of action that didn't meet your comfort test. That's what you need to do here too. Meeting with a different financial professional should help you get a reality check on the strategies and investments your current broker is recommending.

For that second opinion, you might want to look for a planner who charges a flat fee or an hourly rate (as opposed to the commissions your broker may earn from your investments).You can find one in your area at cambridgeadvisors.com or garrettplanningnetwork.com.

Expect to pay a few hundred dollars for a one-time assessment. It may seem pricey, but remember what's at stake here is your retirement; you owe it to yourself to be comfortable.

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