As part of your due diligence, conduct a thorough background check before choosing a financial advisor to manage your investments, retirement or estate planning. After all, you don't want to hand over ...

Laurie Sepulveda is a MarketWatch Guides team senior writer who specializes in writing about insurance, investing, personal loans, home equity loans, mortgages and banking. She lives in North Carolina ...

A financial advisor is not only for the super-rich; anyone facing major life transitions, nearing retirement, or feeling overwhelmed by financial decisions could benefit from professional guidance.