I have a relative who is in pretty bad financial shape. She's in her 50's and her relatives and friends have tried to help without much success. How can I find a financial planner who is an expert on helping people in tough financial shape?
Financial Peace University is put on by Dave Ramsey trained folks all over the country. They train the trainer and then work the program thru churches, schools and any organization that wants to provide a gathering place. I have seen them in the public libraries a couple of times. He promotes the snowball approach to pay down debt and beans and rice principals. He has a tv show on Fox Business and I think has a very good program.
Remember your relative has to be willing to change or it is all for naught.
I just re-read the OP and realized a CFP's fees might be out of her reach right now.As if I don't know this by heart, eh? Good stuff, isn't it?
But I will say in fairness, that if she needs a basic financial education, she probably could get one cheaper than time with a CFP, not that I don't want to line the pockets of my fellow CFPs!
However, a fee only planner that she could pay by the hour could help her get a plan together for her finances if she needs a lot of hand-holding.