The scope of services offered by a financial advisor often depends on credentials and training. Sometimes a financial advisor is cross-trained in law, accounting or investments. Houston Financial Advisors Richard J. Alphonso J.D., CPA, M.S.T. and Marcel J. Hebert, CFA, CFP recommend deciding what role you want a financial advisor to play and then searching out those credentials.

Widely observed credentials and licensing registrations include:

• RIA — Registered Investment Advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
• CFP — Certified Financial Planner, issued by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards.
• J.D. — Juris Doctor (law degree)
• CPA — Certified Public Accountant, issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
• CFA — Chartered Financial Analyst, issued by the Association for investment Management and Research.
• ChFC — Chartered Financial Consultant, issued by the American College.