1. Check with professional organizations
One of the first things you should do is check with professional and regulatory organizations to see where your broker stands.
2. Inquire at state offices
Many investment advisers and brokers are also required to register with their state. This can be a great way to see that your broker is properly licensed in your state.
3. Research online reviews
In some cases, it's possible to find information about the broker online through reviews. Just Google the investment adviser's name and see what pops up.
4. Get personal recommendations
When choosing a financial adviser or broker, you should ask for references. Call the references provided to get an account of how the broker performs. You can even ask your friends and relatives for their personal recommendations, then start your search from there.
5. Keep your investments secured
Once you've found a financial advisor or broker, it's important to keep your finances secured. As cyberattacks and security breaches become more common, you'll want to work with someone who has an encrypted site and is on top of the latest cybersecurity developments.
