How did you find your financial planner and what factors made you decide that you would be their client?

Someone who can answer the conflict of interest well would make a good financial planner. I'm not perfect at it, but its what I'm striving for. Some have even higher aspirations, like being an Independent Financial Advisor (via MAS definition, not working for an IFA).

What factors does that consist of? Typically it means that when they pitch you something they give you more than one choice. They also can tell you how it benefits you, and how much commission they make if you ask. They can also answer why they are pushing a particular plan if it happens to benefit them more.

That's a good start.