Saint Paul Pioneer Press, Minn., Investor's Eye Column.

Byline: Gail MarksJarvis

Dec. 7--QUESTION: I'm giving up. I've made a mess of my own money, and I want to find a good financial planner. Any suggestions?

ANSWER: Your question isn't as easy as it sounds.

I could send you to the list that Worth magazine compiles each year of the "Best Advisers, Best Advice." The magazine highlights 250 financial planners after reviewing credentials, compensation structures and a financial plan designed by each.

But many of these financial planners cater to people with high net worth -- in other words, the clients usually have more than $1 million in assets. And the needs of such clients often are very …