By using so many creditors and advisers, the company made its finances opaque and difficult to follow.

Rather than using professional advisers, Perot employed "political amateurs" whose loyalty was unquestioned.

"Right now we are stressing the face-to-face delivery of our products," using financial advisers.

At Schwab, 13 percent of the 600,000 customers who use financial advisers have given their advisers the right to vote on their behalf.

They used independent financial and legal advisers.

"It basically gave us an indication that if George W. Bush is elected, he will be a president who uses advisers in making decisions."

Working through the association means Al-Talib can use its office space, advisers and equipment, including a computer system.

It is true that you can hardly get into these countries without using agents or advisers.

Those who feel they need help, she added, would be better off using independent financial advisers whose income comes solely from fees - not commissions.

Do carry out checks (eg for financial position), using professional advisers if needed.