Should you fire your broker and get a financial planner?

If you want to learn a little more about personal finance, you might consider signing up for free seminars from the National Association of Personal Finance Advisors (NAPFA). This is a 12-month course, with a single one-hour seminar held each month over the Internet. You will have to RSVP for each session that you want to attend. Each is taught by a certified financial planner. Here are the planned topics for the seminars:
August 7, 2009 –       Money 101: Knowing the Basics
September 4, 2009 – Kids & Money
October 2, 2009 –      What is Financial Planning?
November 6, …read more

There are many excuses people give for not budgeting their money, or for being poor financial managers:

I’m no good at math. How can I possibly create a budget?
I just don’t know how to manage money.
I don’t have professional financial experience. How can I be expected to know what to do?

However, these excuses sound pretty lame when you think about it. The fact of the matter is that you can manage your own finances. You don’t need professional experience, and you do not have to be good at math. But you do need to be willing to learn, and willing to …read more

Choosing a Financial Planner:
How to Select an Advisor to Help You Achieve Your Goals
by A. Scott White, CFP®, ChFC, CLU
President, Scott White Advisors
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words “financial planner?” A common response might be, “A professional who gives investment advice.” And that’s correct, but only partially, because it merely scratches the surface of what comprehensive financial planning involves. In fact, a true financial planner can advise you on all matters that affect your financial security.
Competent financial planners can create a comprehensive strategy to help you realize your financial …read more