The world has grown more complex in the last couple of
decades. For many people, personal financial planning is becoming a critical element of
their future financial security.
The array of potential investment opportunities grows by
leaps and bounds. Government changes the tax rules every time you turn around. The need
for long-term financial security, in the face of all these changes, becomes increasingly
important.
What's a person to do?
First sit down, and with the help of family or trusted
friends, do some serious thinking about your current situation and your future
obligations. When you've outlined the basic concerns and issues, you need a financial plan
to meet those obligations.
More and more people are turning to a special financial
adviser to help them find their way through the confusion. This knowledgeable, trusted
person can help you to sift through all the options and point the way to long-term
financial security for you and your dependents.
There are many professional people who function as
financial advisers. They include insurance agents and brokers, lawyers, accountants,
security representatives and mutual fund salespeople.
But how do you find the best
adviser to help you?
Talk to someone you trust — relatives, friends,
associates — to get recommendations. If they don't have recommendations, phone a
branch office of a financial planning company or insurance company in your area. Many of
them advertise or are listed in the phone book. Try to meet briefly with at least three or
four to get a sense of who they are and whether you feel you can trust them and are
comfortable with them.
Ask your potential advisers such
questions as:
