If you have decided to seek the best financial coach available, here are five tips that may help you in this endeavor.

1. Experience. How long has the individual been coaching? While there are six-week courses for those who wish to become a financial coach, this does not necessarily guarantee they have established expertise in the area most important to you. Look for a coach who has had extensive training for at least two years, followed by multiple exams showing his or her competence in the area. A certified financial planner and a certified public accountant both meet the criteria.

In addition, you need to know how long this coach has been practising in this field. Also, providing any and all licenses is proof that this individual is engaged in ongoing education in this field as well.

2. Compensation. Who provides payment for services to the financial coach? Does he or she work for a bank or institution wherein commissions are given as compensation? How much does the financial coach charge and on what basis are the fees incurred?

3. Personality. You can probably tell within the first five minutes of interviewing a perspective financial coach if he or she is suitable for your needs. You may think that personality should not be a factor, but if you do not get along with your coach it may cause problems later on.

One of the basic tenets of hiring a financial coach is based on trust and confidence that he or she will do the job you hired them to do. As long as you are comfortable with the coach and can confide in and depend upon them to guide you through a successful financial future, then you have found someone quite special.

Note that some experts warn that financial coaches who work for banks or brokerage firms do not last very long. Keep that in mind during the interview process.

4. Professionalism. Does the financial coach conduct business in a professional and courteous manner? Does he or she set appointments well in advance and arrive on time? Are your questions and concerns met with immediate results?

You wouldn’t expect any less from your own doctor, so why would you settle for someone who does not offer the same professionalism in the financial world.

5. Expertise. Whether you are hiring a coach to help with retirement savings, tuition for your children’s college, investments, insurance, or a new business, you certainly want someone who has expertise in a specific area. Ideally, you want a financial coach who is proficient in all these areas.

Just as you would take the time and effort to find the right doctor, lawyer, or baby-sitter, consider using the same method to articulate your needs in finding the best financial coach available.