Maintaining financial security is one of the top priorities for many people, but knowing which steps to take on the journey to this goal isn’t always easy.

Whether you’re looking for ways to shore up your retirement or interested in delving into the world of investments, a qualified financial professional can be an essential guide, providing expert knowledge and practical advice to help you steer your ship in the right direction.

Not every advisor is right for every person, though. Follow these tips to find one that meets the right qualifications and fits your needs to better ensure that you’re getting the best service possible and protecting your financial health.

Determine your needs

The label “financial professional” is a broad one, encompassing a wide range of individuals who specialize in different areas of money management. Some focus on broader goals like budgeting or building a financial plan, while others get more specific with tax help or estate planning. Many may even offer an array of services, both micro and macro. Before you begin looking for an advisor, identify your exact financial goals so you can narrow your search to the ones whose offerings meet your needs. Also pay attention to their experience; some may have a history of working with your particular profession or situation, making them uniquely suited to assist you.

Find candidates

Now that you have a better idea of what you’re looking for, it’s time to see what options are out there. A good starting point is to ask friends and family for recommendations, either for an advisor they’ve personally worked with or one they heard about from someone else. They may have firsthand or extra details you may not be able to find—or trust—online, giving you an idea of who to look further into.

Then, of course, go searching online. Thanks to the internet, you can simply type “financial professional near me” to get a slew of results. Create a shortlist of options to consider, including anyone a loved one referred to you, and peruse their services, reviews, and testimonials, crossing off anyone who isn’t a fit or has a track record of negative experiences. You can also look them up on the Better Business Bureau to help assess their credibility.

Check the details

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, the next step is to dive deeper into the nitty-gritty details. Some of this information you might be able to find online, but your best bet is to set up an interview with potential advisors so you can vet them directly. The main areas to ask about are their credentials, their price, and their communication styles. What certifications and licensures, such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), do they have? Do they charge a fee, or are they commission based? Would you be working with them directly or with anyone who’s part of their team? Identifying these details will help you separate the top candidates from the rest.

For more about what to ask during your first meeting with a financial professional, check out this guide.

Follow your gut

Another reason to meet face-to-face with anyone you’re considering is to get a sense of their personality and whether you could work effectively with them. After all, your ability to feel confident in them is just as important their credentials, services, and experience. When it comes down to it, if you have two candidates that look very similar on paper, you’ll likely be better off going with the one who listened closely, responded thoughtfully, and demonstrated an understanding and care of your needs.

Finding the right financial professional for you can take time, but it’ll be worth the effort in the end. With an experienced guide by your side, you can make more informed decisions that may set you on the right path toward your financial goals.