I think out of all the people that i know i need my dollar to stretch the most out of any one. I am a manager at the Local safeway, which brings an okay paycheck but definitely not enough to give my wife and daughter all that they deserve. I was recently told by a good friend that i should find a good financial expert to help manage my money a little better. I just have a hard time trusting my money with someone else, especially when i am already struggling as it is. If any one has any good advice on who i can turn to that i can trust that would be great!

You are on the right track. I would ask around and see if any of your friends know of someone. Make sure the friends you ask are people who have their own act together financially. If they complain about money issues, they aren't getting good advice or ignoring the advice they are getting. Also your local bank can offer assistance but be aware that some financial experts are also in the business of selling you services like investment portfolios. Just because you talk to an "expert" you don't have to hire him on to manage your money. YOU are interviewing him to see if he can work for you. Don't be afraid to check into his background. Ask him where he went to school? How many clients he has? How long has he been consulting? What his views are on the recession? and What does he think about how people handle their money? If he blows off the last question saying its all part of an up and down economy or says he can make you big money fast, that is a red flag. Suze Orman has a list in one of her books that says you need to check their licenses and accreditations. Here is the list of licenses or certifications she lists: 1 - Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Suze recommends that whoever you are dealing with is also up to speed on tax laws and participates in continuing education in his/her field. I'm sure Dave Ramsey also has this same advice in his books. There are plenty of books in the library that can help get you started.

If you lived near me I would give you the names of 2 great brokers who work for 2 different brokerage houses.

If you want to be cautius, I'd invest in mutual funds.

If you want a good stock, buy Verizon. It performs very well.

I really going to stick a foot in my mouth for saying this Pat whooop me upside the head later ok...

Ok richard you do not just any adviser go to the better bussiness b. and get the poop on a certain center for advise secound make sure the buss. is ladjit and last check to see how long they been in bussiness why because they alwas recomend your checking around and do more research on your own about things ok last check to see if its insured lots of peple get ripped big timr and last gather all the bills the works do not leave out the tax state ments check stub from work and proof of bank account and yes any the numbers of the bill collection agg. and last but not least check if f.d.i.c.  if it is go for it dude then see what they offer how much you going to get it and how much to put aside for retirment etc. etc. listen and do what they say or what you think is right...

GOOD LUCK

CINDY