If you are shopping for a financial advisor, you need a good checklist of questions to ask. What you are looking for is someone who handles clients like you – and who is financially wise.

What is a fiduciary? Why would I want a financial advisor who is a fiduciary? How does fiduciary duty benefit the client? What can I expect from my fiduciary financial advisor?

To help you determine the level of an advisor's professional experience, credentials, knowledge, and training, we've decoded some common advisor titles below. With this information, you can make more informed choices about the best professional to hire for your unique needs.