by Tanta on 10/05/2007 08:45:00 AM

Because we really needed to know that 47% of you think a professional opinion about cycling vs. jogging or miniblinds vs. drapes or mary janes vs. t-straps is of more value to you than a professional opinion about stocks vs. bonds.

According to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association:

Washington, D.C., October 3, 2007 – A majority of adults (53%) would choose to receive financial advice over that of a personal trainer, interior designer or fashion consultant if given the opportunity, according to the findings of a recent survey conducted on behalf of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA).

Should you for some reason really care, the question was "If you could have a free consultation session with an expert, which would you choose?" The responses were:

Financial Advisor: 53%
Personal Trainer: 23%
Interior Designer: 9%
Fashion/Style Consultant: 6%
Don't Know: 8%

We have certainly managed successfully to redefine the term "expert." I for one see great opportunities for financial advisors who also offer personal training services. If you could discuss portfolio allocation while teaching yoga--good morning, CR!--you could make a fortune. (I, whose interior design has been described as "presence of the usual items of furniture" and whose fashion has been described as "clothed and shod" and whose major form of aerobic exercise is typing, am angling for the "don't know" crowd.)