With a turbulent economy, an up-and-down stock market, and "Madoffed" (as in Bernie) joining popular lexicon as a verb, it's more important than ever to ask the right questions when choosing a financial advisor. Shelly Banjo at the Wall Street Journal had a great list of questions that we gladly pass along to you for consideration.

1. What's in the adviser's background?
2. What do the adviser's clients say?
3. How does the adviser get paid?
4. Where are the adviser's checks and balances?
5. What's the adviser's track record?
6. Can the adviser put it [a document of services and related fees] in writing?
7. What do other pros think?

And a bonus question just for our Taxing Details audience: Will I like working with them? Or, to put it another way, will a regular review with my trusted advisors be more or less enjoyable than a visit to the endodontist? With good answers to these 7 + 1 questions, you're well on your way!

And while we're on the subject, why not call Arxis Wealth Management at 805-306-7850 and set up an appointment with Denise Ferrari, Director of Financial Services? The meeting with Denise and one of our CPAs will be informative, helpful, and considerably better than a root canal!