Certified Financial Planner

Do you want to buy a home, save for your children's education, start a business or save for retirement?

A certified financial planner can help you prioritize your financial goals and establish a money management plan. Financial planning allows you to look at the "big picture" when do personal budget planning.

Investing, saving and spending are all interconnected. Choosing to send your children to private school may slow your retirement savings. Home buying, versus renting, will have tax implications. Understanding the short and long term ramifications of those decisions will help guide your financial planning strategies.

To find a qualified financial planner get references from colleagues, family or friends. Plan to meet with several financial consultants before making a decision. Many planners offer a complementary half hour consultation.

Questions to ask a certified financial planner

What is their educational background including training, certification and designation?

CFP - Certified Financial Planner

CPA/PFS - Certified Public Accountant/Personal Financial Specialist

ChFC - Chartered Financial Consultant

How many years have they worked in the industry and what is their area of expertise?

Retirement planning

Investment planning

Tax planning

Estate planning

How will he/she be paid?

Salary

Hourly fee or flat fee

Commission on investments bought and sold

Percentage of assets under management

When meeting with a certified financial planner be clear in the language and terminology you use. What exactly does a comfortable retirement mean? What about quality schools? The words comfortable and quality mean different things to different people. Be specific regarding your financial goals and expectations.

Once you've established a financial plan be sure to re-evaluate your goals and objectives periodically.

If you're not interested in working with a certified financial planner, there are numerous books, internet programs and self-help manuals available to guide you in becoming your own independent financial planner.

Get started right away.

Don't wait until you have a financial problem to begin personal budget planning.

Financial Planners