<prompt> Human: This independent financial advisor contacted me because one of my friends recommended me as someone who might appreciate the benefits of an advisor. I met with him because I am interested in knowing more about investing but I felt like I was being sold something ie. he got out his pen and paper and started drawing graphs and numbers and telling me how much I needed to retire adjusted for inflation etc etc.. He told me that he makes money on a contract basis from whatever financial services I decide to invest in, so theres no conflict of interest and he can really recommend what is best for me. My question is: Is this a normal situation for financial advisors - do they get paid this way in most situations or is this a situation in which its possible that hes getting paid by several funds or services that hes actually secretly pushing? Im financially retarded and I think it would be awesome if I were to be able to find someone to help recommend investments that would really be beneficial for me... I just dont know if going with someone that Im not paying for is really in my best interests. Let me know your thoughts? Thanks so much guys!  <response>: Run. Run away. This is the exact scenario where a slick talking sales guy poses as an adviser and recommends you invest in mediocre funds with high fees that pay him high commissions. You dont pay a fee to him directly, so he says no-cost-to-you, but he will put you in terrible funds with high costs to earn that juicy commission from the fund companies.You cannot trust anything this guy says. Also go yell at your friend for caving in to salesguys request for referrals and getting you into this mess. Hes clueless, too. 