Phony-baloney credentials

There are currently more than 250 designations that financial advisers can attach to their names. Trouble is, many of the credentials mean nothing whatsoever. For example, "financial adviser," "financial planner," and "investment consultant" are all generic terms that anybody can use.

For help

The professional-designations database at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Web site, www.finra.org/ designations, lists almost 90 of the credentials you might see, along with how much, or little, effort is required to obtain them.