Financial Planning

You may want help getting started. You may benefit from an objective, third-party perspective on what are often emotional, difficult decisions.

And in today's hectic world, it can be beneficial to have a financial planning expert help to make sure you stay focused and follow through with your financial plans.

Often a specific event or need will trigger the desire for professional financial planning guidance. These might include:

• Making sure your money will last during retirement or rolling over a retirement plan 
• Handling the inheritance of a large sum of money or other unexpected financial windfall 
• Preparing for a marriage or divorce 
• Planning for the birth or adoption of a child 
• Facing a financial crisis such as a serious illness, layoff or natural disaster 
• Caring for aging parents or a disabled child 
• Coping financially with the death of a spouse or close family member
• Funding education Buying, selling or passing on a family business 

If you have the time and knowledge — and your financial situation is not too complicated — you may be able to do a lot of it on your own. However, there are some situations where you may find you need a financial planner, such as:

• You have little or no experience with finances; 
• You don't have the inclination to do it;  
• You want an objective, outside perspective;  
• You have a complex financial situation; or — And this is usually the biggest obstacle for "do-it-yourselfers" — You don't have the time Procrastination is the greatest enemy of financial independence, and using a financial planner will keep you on track. 

There are some other advantages to using a planner. Some aspects of financial planning may be too complex for most people, such as calculating how long your retirement capital will last or maximizing tax strategies. A good financial planner will work with other professionals, such as stockbrokers, accountants, and insurance agents, to coordinate their efforts with your overall financial needs.