Financial planners are not just for rich people. Everyone, no matter where you stand financially, can benefit from the advice and guidance of a qualified financial planner.
You have probably received a lot of free financial advice over the years from friends, family and coworkers. But how do you know which advice to follow? It can get complicated quickly, and some people do not know what to do. As a result, many do nothing. They put off planning until later in life and then start to panic. That being said, a good financial planner can help clarify and prioritize your goals helping you make the most of your money.
A recent USA TODAY article, titled “How to find the right financial adviser,” states that no matter where you stand financially, you can benefit from the advice and guidance of a qualified financial planner. The article advises that even for those with modest savings can see a significant change in their lives with a one- or two-hour session with a planner.
Many financial planners are members of professional organizations that certify them, such as the Certified Financial Planner Board, which is an independent professional regulatory organization. To earn this certification, a financial planner must meet all the requirements, including extensive study and a comprehensive test on the financial planning process, investment planning, income tax planning, retirement planning and employee benefits and estate planning. There are several other prominent financial planning designations, and you should work with your estate planning attorney, who either will have this type of certification or know of a qualified financial planner to help you design a plan to meet your objectives.
Reference: USA TODAY “How to find the right financial adviser” (July 9, 2014)
