As 401(k) plans proliferate throughout corporate America, many workers suddenly realize that financial planning can become a tricky struggle. What mix of stocks? Which bonds, if any? Are there tax considerations?

Help, goes the collective cry.

Hence the financial advisers and all the help they can offer. But how to choose one?

Dave Barrett, an investment adviser in Richmond, Va., offers a few tips on which sorts of advisers to avoid:

¢ Any who promise a specific return.

¢ Any who don’t disclose fees and expenses, including those involved in your transactions.

¢ Any who rush to sell you new “solutions” quickly, without inquiring deeply about your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.

¢ Any who don’t offer a fair and honest opinion of where the adviser believes you are now.