Choosing and Using a Financial Planner

Check out the other articles in college finance series:
How Will We Ever Save for College? | "We Forgot to Save for College!" | Many Ways to Save


A financial planner can help you meet your college savings goals by looking at your assets, debts, income, insurance, taxes, investments, etc., and then developing a plan that you can afford. A good planner will monitor your progress and help you respond to changes in your goals, personal circumstances and even tax laws.



  • Research and seek recommendations when looking for a financial planner. Ask friends or business acquaintances (including your attorney, insurance agent and banker) for recommendations. The Financial Planning Association (FPA), a membership organization of financial planners, has a database of certified financial planners in your area. Visit www.PlannerSearch.org or call 1-800-647-6340.

    FPA also recommends checking with the Securities and Exchange Commission or the local Better Business Bureau on whether complaints have been filed against a particular financial planner. Ultimately, you need to feel comfortable with your planner, since yours will be a crucial and personal relationship.
     

  • Avoid planners who try to give you the "hard sell." Some people call themselves financial planners even though they're actually more focused on selling specific financial products. A good financial planner addresses a variety of needs, not just insurance, for example. Look for a certified financial planner, too, since these professionals must have experience and continuing education in their field. They also hold to a code of ethics and must pass an exam to become certified.
     

  • Once you've worked out a savings plan that you're comfortable with, make sure you stick with it. Remember, you're paying for the planner's expertise. Not following the plan would be a waste of your money.
     

  • Make a point to check in with your financial planner once a year to see how your savings are progressing and whether changes in your life or changes in the economy warrant changes to your overall plan.

- Deirdre Wilson


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