| We get check ups on our cars, our houses, our | | | | There are plenty of Financial Planners out there and |
| bodies and even our pets. However, what about | | | | the relationship you have with a Financial Planner will |
| getting an annual financial check up on our life? We all | | | | be very personal. So in addition, also be wary of |
| have dreams and goals. However, certain financial | | | | people who call themselves Financial Planners. A |
| obstacles may put a dent or act as a stop sign | | | | genuine Financial Planner is a Certified Financial Planner |
| against our plans to achieve those goals. | | | | (CFP®) that is regulated with the state, has an |
| There are many financial changes that can typically | | | | ethical obligation to act in your interest, has no ethical |
| occur in any given 12 month period- being laid off of | | | | violations against them and follows a Code of Ethics, |
| a job, retirement, a natural disaster, a major | | | | which consist of: Integrity, Objectivity, Competence, |
| purchase, an illness, the birth of a child, a marriage, a | | | | Fairness, Confidentiality, Professionalism and Diligence. |
| divorce, a death, cost of college, providing care for | | | | The Financial Planner may work as a Sole Practitioner |
| an elderly parent and so forth. | | | | or with a company. The Financial Planning Association |
| What does it mean to get an Annual Financial Check | | | | (FPA) and the Certified Financial Planner Board of |
| up? | | | | Standards, Inc. (CFP) both provide listings of Certified |
| Simply put, it is an annual review of your financial | | | | Financial Planners throughout the United States. |
| status. Typically, Financial Planners will collect a client's | | | | What can you expect from a Financial Planner? |
| data (check stubs, checking & credit | | | | You can expect them to review your current financial |
| statements, titles for homes, tax returns, insurance | | | | situation thoroughly and honestly. Additionally, they |
| policies, etc.), prioritize their goals, examine resources, | | | | will provide a financial portfolio for you. Depending on |
| make recommendations and implement a plan | | | | your needs and wants, they will help you stretch out |
| according to the client's needs and personal goals. | | | | the money you already have and can even help you |
| Whether you are single, married, or have a family, | | | | invest the money you are earning. A Financial Planner |
| you should want to be in charge of your future. It's | | | | is interested in helping you meet your long term |
| vital to set both short and long-term financial goals. A | | | | financial goals for the future. |
| Financial Planner can help you to achieve these long | | | | Lastly, have more control of your financial future in |
| term goals. Regardless of what your financial situation | | | | this unpredictable world. And allow an annual financial |
| is, there are Financial Planners who specialize in a | | | | check up to be apart of your future. |
| variety of areas and cater to your financial needs. | | | | Side Bar: |
| How can you locate a Financial Planner and how do | | | | Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. |
| you know if you can trust them? | | | | |