The stock market's extreme volatility recently has left many of us wondering just what we should do with our investments. You may want to consult with a financial professional to help you assess your goals, and to consider rebalancing your investment portfolio allocation.

However, for many people, choosing a financial professional can be a scary idea. It's hard to know who to trust with your hard-earned money and how to evaluate who will do a good job of giving you advice. Unfortunately, government regulations do not protect the consumer very well in this area. Anyone can call themselves a financial advisor!

Choose a financial professional who is qualified. Interview more than one person and ask many questions. Often there is no charge for your initial interview visit. By asking questions you can choose a financial professional who is a good match for you.

University of Illinois Extension has a new website, Choosing a Financial Professional, at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/financialpro/. At this website, learn how to evaluate a financial professional's credentials, understand how different financial professionals are paid, and download a free interview guide.

It's important to take time to interview and check out the qualifications of the financial professional you choose to work with. You want to find someone who has the expertise that you need. Also, you need to protect yourself from investment fraud.

All kinds of people are victims of investment fraud. A person's income or education does not protect them from fraud. Con artists are good at fooling people – that's how they make money!

You can take a few simple steps to protect yourself. Before you invest, take time to check that both the investment and the person selling the investment are legitimate.

1. Check that the investment option you're interested in is registered with your state's securities regulator. If it is not registered, then this is likely a fake investment. Don't invest!

2. Who is selling you the investment? Check the financial professional's background and references.

In Illinois, a simple way to check on an investment option or a person's licenses and disciplinary records is to call the Illinois Securities Department, toll-free 1-800-628-7937 or visit their website at http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/securities/.

A few clicks on the Internet or a phone call can make a big difference in avoiding investment fraud. You worked hard for your money – take the time to research investments before you invest.

A qualified financial professional can help with your investment strategies and retirement planning. The University of Illinois Extension's website, Plan Well, Retire Well: Your how-to guide is another helpful resource. Visit this website at www.RetireWell.uiuc.edu to learn more about choosing investments.

Source: Kathy Sweedler, Extension Educator, Champaign Center, University of Illinois Extension, (217) 333-4901; sweedler@uiuc.edu