Now more than ever nervous investors are looking for the best place to put their money and plan for the future. A lot of people are turning to financial advisers.

But how do you find a financial planner who'll serve your best interest?

Financial planners can be a big help in managing your money, and weathering tough economic times- but anyone can call themselves a financial planner.

Before you pay someone for advice, there are key questions you need to ask.

What are your credentials?

How long have you been doing this? (Most experts agree they should have at least three to five years of experience, especially given the current markets.)

And how do you get paid?

At a minimum, you want someone who is certified as a financial planner, and if they deal in stocks and bonds or make investment recommendations, they must be licensed and registered with either the state of Washington, the Security Exchange Commission, or both.

As for how they get paid, it can be a flat fee, an hourly fee, a percentage of the assets they manage for you, some are salaried,some get commission for selling you products and services and some use a combination.

Other questions to ask:

What kind of planning or advising do they do most?

What services do they offer?

What kind of clients do they typically work with?

How many other clients do you have?

How similar are those clients you and your situation?

Will they be the only person working with you?

What professional organizations do they belong to?

What professional accreditation do they have?

Can you provide references of other clients I can talk to?

Do don't just sign up with the first person that claims they can help you with your investments, a financial plan or even your family budget.

Find an experienced planner who'll listen to what you need, explain exactly how they work, and work in your best interest.
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions says past experience shows con artists use headlines to prey on worries and fears about the economy.

As we speak, someone's cooking up investment schemes that sound great but will only take your money.

If anyone is promising you big returns right now, grab your wallet and run the other way.

More information:

How to Choose a Planner

Questions to ask when choosing a financial planner

DFI Cautions Investors

A Guide for Beginning Investors

Suze Orman: Retirement Planning

Protecting Yourself Against Fraud