Most people know that once they approach retirement age, their reward for years of work comes from Social Security payments they put money towards during their employment. Deciding when to file for your Social Security payments is likely what you may focus on, but there are some other Social Security benefits you may be missing out on that are worth investigating.

Having a professional walk you through savings, budgeting, investments, tax issues, and other aspects of financial planning can be invaluable. But if you're not sure what you want from this relationship—or what you're looking for in seeking assistance with your finances—you may find yourself spinning your wheels. What questions should you ask when selecting a financial professional? What do you want to know? Below, we'll discuss four important things to know about your financial professional before you delegate control of your assets.

Choosing a financial professional is a major decision. Finding someone you trust enough to manage your money and your future may feel like a nerve-wracking choice. Fortunately, by doing some preliminary research and asking tough questions, you might find someone who is a decent choice. Here are four tips to help you build a strong relationship with your financial professional.