Many people do their own retirement planning, but if you aren't the do-it-yourself type, consider hiring a professional to help. A good planner will help you organize your finances, figure out where you stand financially, show you what it will take to achieve your goals and help you carry out the plan. Planners also can help with tax and estate planning. Here are some tips on finding the help you need:

1. Ask a friend. Seek recommendations from friends, accountants, lawyers and others. You want someone who has experience working with people in circumstances similar to yours.

2. Pick up the phone. For information and referrals, here are some numbers to call: Financial Planning Association, (800) 282-7526; National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, (888) 333-6659; American Institute of CPAs, (888) 999-9256; Society of Financial Service Professionals, (800) 392-6900.

3. Ask for mail. Request written materials from any planner you are considering. They should include information about the planner's background and areas of expertise and about how the firm operates. If the planner is a registered investment adviser, request a copy of Form ADV.

4. Look for credentials. Seek out a planner who has special training and experience in financial planning. Popular designations include Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Public Accountant-Personal Financial Specialist (CPA-PFS) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).

5. Review compensation. Make sure you understand how a planner is paid and how much you are likely to be charged. Compensation options include a set fee for plan preparation, hourly fees, commissions on transactions, an annual fee based on a percentage of assets under management and referral fees.

6. Do a background check. In Florida, call (800) 848-3792 to check on planners licensed to sell securities or (800) 342-2762 to check on those licensed to sell insurance. The CFP Board of Standards at (888) 237-6275 provides information on its licensees Checks also can be done online at www.cfp-board.org, www.adviserinfo.sec.gov and www.nasdr.com. If a planner will provide references, call and check them.

7. Meet face to face. Before signing on as a client, make sure you are comfortable with the planner and the office staff. Do you feel free to ask questions and do you get good answers?

8. Plan for action. Make sure you understand how the planner will help with implementation and what other professionals, such as attorneys and accountants, you will need to consult and pay.

9. Plan regular checkups. Ask about the cost of followup visits because you will need to check your progress against the plan, preferably every year.

10. Rely on common sense. Don't proceed if a planner's approach does not make sense or does not feel right to you.

-- Compiled by Helen Huntley.

-- Sources: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (www.cfp-board.org) and Times research.

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