Unlike traditional brokers and financial advisors, Fee-Only financial advisors 
do not sell any products nor receive any commissions for recommending the 
purchase of products.  Instead, financial advice and recommendations are 
provided to clients for a mutually agreed upon fee.  A Fee-Only financial 
advisor remains absolutely independent, thereby maintaining objectivity and 
avoiding any conflict of interest.

As a Fee-Only financial advisor, I belong to NAPFA, the National Association 
of  Personal Financial Advisors (www.feeonly.org).  NAPFA is the organization 
of Fee-Only advisors.  Their requirements for membership are by far the 
strictest in the industry.  Members are prohibited from receiving any type of 
compensation based on the client's purchase of a financial product.  Members 
also cannot receive a fee or other compensation from another party based on 
the referral of a client.  The advisor can be compensated solely by the client 
and not by any third party.  In addition, NAPFA's eligibility standards for 
membership require members to be either licensed Certified Financial 
Planners or to have the education, knowledge, and experience to practice 
comprehensive financial planning.