It depends on how much you have for them to manage. If you have $1 million or more, buy Barron's for a while until they publish a list of trusted advisors. They do it at least once a quarteR. Some may require more than $1 million, but you should be able to find someone worthy of an inquiry.

Otherwise, do, do, do look for CFA or CFP designations. It really is a rigorous distinction that tells you the person is professional in his or her degree of preparation and commitment.

You should also go to Schwab to see what a respectable level of retail service looks like.