1. The choices are many.
The strong domestic economy has increased the number of financial practitioners from which to choose.

2. Birds of a feather.
In hiring a pro, determine whether his or her other clients more or less fit your own profile. If not, this probably isn't the right person for you.

3. Hire a captain for your team.
Planners are the linchpin of your financial team. A good one can give you a blueprint on which to base your other decisions.

4. Consider starting out with a broker.
Full-service brokers are often best for novice investors.

5. How complex is your return?
Tax preparers who aren't CPAs are usually fine for simple returns, and often charge less than CPAs do. CPAs are more suitable for high-income individuals, the self-employed and those with fluctuating incomes.

6. Check your local authorities.
Your state insurance commission's office may have information on insurance agents and the companies they represent.

7. Look for fee-only planners.
Fee-only planners tend to have fewer conflicts of interest than those who sell investments.

8. Look for a CFP.
Consumers can narrow the field by focusing on certified financial planners.

9. Get allocated.
The most important thing a planner can do for you is to help you set up your asset-allocation plan.

10. Double-check the financial status of your insurance company.
Though responsible insurance commissions aren't supposed to let weak companies practice, some state regulators aren't exactly known for being tough on the industries they're supposed to oversee.