They can't give endorsements, but they can at least lead you to three or four people in your geographic area that you can meet with.

If you have a variable rate mortgage, now is the time to refinance and lock in a fixed rate to protect yourself in the long run.

You don't want to pick a family that just created a fund they don't have a history in.

I would prefer a total stock market fund if it's going to be their only investment, but if it's the first of many funds I'd go with the S&P 500 Index Fund.

Technology funds and small-cap funds are where the volatility is going to be.

Set the ground rules and make sure it feels right.