Sometimes it is better to learn which experts you should avoid versus learning how to choose the best advisors. This specific can be tougher than it sounds because good and bad advisors look and sound a great deal alike. Bad advisors are not bad people. They may have great personalities and are extremely likeable. Sadly, these character traits have nothing to do with proficiency or ethics. Some of the most dangerous experts are likeable and they have exceptional sales skills. They are incredibly skilled at convincing people that they are real advisors who put their client's financial interests first. Someone that is lacking in experience though multiple business cycles. Anybody that shows you to hang tight though a market correction better have been through one to know very well what it is like to be scared stiff. It is human nature to be worried of losing. It helps if your advisor can give you tips about how to survive the carnage. It's even better if he's a plan to help you rebuild. Of course, best of all, it might have been nice never to lose so much in the first place!