Sometimes it is better to learn which experts you should avoid versus learning how to choose the best advisors. This particular can be tougher than it sounds because good and bad advisors look and sound a whole lot alike. Bad advisors are not bad people. They might have great personalities and are extremely likeable. Unfortunately, these character traits have not do with competence or ethics. Some of the most dangerous advisors 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. Somebody who lacks experience though multiple business cycles. Anybody that informs you to hang tight though a market modification 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 has a plan to help you rebuild. Of course, best of all, it might have been nice to not lose so much in the first place!