The best tip I can pass on to you regarding referrals is to be very picky whom you ask. As an example, the guy who drives an old truck and wears the same shirt everyday is the last guy most people would ask financial questions. Most people are going to ask the guy who drives a $50,000 car and wears expensive clothes. All other things being equal, who do you think has more money to invest in land, houses, and retirement accounts?

Here is an easy technique for finding credible referrals:

For doctors, ask nurses, hospital technicians, physical therapists, and friends who are pharmacists. They know the best practitioners in my community.

For financial advice, ask your accountant for a list of attorneys and advisors. Ask your lawyer for the name of three good independent insurance agents and accountants.

Here are some of the professionals I would turn to for financial referrals:
1. Attorney
2. Accountant
3. Fee only advisor
4. Finance Professor at a local University
5. Pension Administrators Next blog will focus on Educating Yourself.