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Survivors Say: Best Resources for Financial Planning Financial planning requires both reason and instinct. You need to be able to make good decisions to put yourself on the path to a solid financial future. On the other hand, you should let your gut have a say, too. Just be sure you can strike a good balance.

Types of Planning Philosophies

Investment Side

Some people believe debt is an acceptable part of modern life and that paying off debt isn’t important to your overall financial health. These advisers stress investments over debt repayment.

Smart Money: Being Debt-Free Isn't Always All It's Cracked Up to Be

Debt-Free

Some financial planners work with their clients on first becoming debt free. These planners believe the money lost to interest and stress is not worth it and that everyone should strive to pay off debt before anything else.

MSN Money: The Key to Being Debt-Free

Holistic

Holistic financial planning is a relatively new term that indicates planners who take a “whole family” approach. They look at the family’s way of life and incorporate important – if not always financially prudent – goals the family has into the financial plan.

WebCPA: What's Different About Holistic Financial Planning?

Communicating with Your Financial Professionals
  • Financial planning is chock full of jargon. Make sure you understand what your planner is saying and ask questions if you don’t.
  • It's not imperative that you make decisions at the first meeting. Instead, firmly communicate to your financial professional when you need more time to make a decision.
  • Talk over your decisions with at least one person who can offer you good advice. Don’t be taken in by plans that are too strict.
College & Vacation Planning

Having children means dealing with whether or not you will pay for college. Many parents want to be able to pay for their children’s college education, making planning for it a major priority.

MsMoney - College Planning

Much of financial planning focuses on the long term – retirement and college. You need to think about the shorter-term, however. Vacation planning should make it into your plans, especially if you have an eye for pricey vacations.

MSN Video: How to Budget a Vacation
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