I have always wondered how many of us actually engage the service of a financial planner to help us achieve our financial goals. Do you have one?
I’ve never had one although there was an insurance agent who did offer to extend his services as a financial planner instead of just being an insurance agent. But I declined.
The reason I declined the help of a financial planner’s service at that point in time was because I really had no idea what kind of financial objectives or results I wanted. Specific results, I mean.
I only know that I want to retire comfortably, have enough money to send my kiddo off to some good tertiary education, etc. But nothing in specific monetary terms. So I thought it’d be a waste of time to get a financial planner to look into my very vague plans.
Also, I know exactly what I was going to be told upon a financial health check, that I need a lot more savings as buffer and that I am not insuring enough.
But then again, many may tell me that since I do not know what I want and have so many fundamentals lacking, this is where the financial planner will come in useful.
Are financial planners really a big help? What do you think? If you have one, how has your financial planner help you so far in maintaining and growing your wealth?
Update: I just realised that The Novice wrote a post about how to choose the right financial adviser today. Good read!
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
My financial planner is my dad
I normally tell him my opinions and he’ll tell me his. That’s how we discuss and of course, whatever he says is meant for my own benefits. Whether I believe it or not, is up to me. This applies to other kind of financial advisors too. What they say will not be valid if you choose not to listen. 
Would be interesting to know how many Malaysians are willing to pay for one.
Alvin, it’s good to have someone to consult and discuss with, it’s a bonus that it’s someone you trust and it’s all for free!
Yow Chuan, I am also interested to know the answer…but don’t seem to be able to get any answers yet.
Being one, of course I am going to say that a financial planner is a must!! Especially for people who have no clear goals in mind. Even more so for young families planning for education and retirement funds!!
myself. But might be i need others opinion too sometimes.
Less than 2 years ago, I have no idea and how to plan for my future until I signed up as a agent for Public mutual. From there I have learned about financial planning. I trust myself better so I took up the course so that I will be the one who finance my own future rather than stranger or someone refer to me. Thanks to the person who recruited me and to widen up my knowledge in financial planning. Now I can help myself and others if they are willing to listen…..=)
Financial Fool, I do agree when it comes to planning for retirement funds. I simply have no idea and worse still, no specific figure as a target! Too lazy to think!
Eyeman, yeah it’s also important to keep the ears opened to what others have to say and think.
Diana, good for you! So now you can help yourself and others. Wishing you lots of success in your business!
I wish to be one. So mean have to take the 8 module CFP courses around RM8k~9K.
But i now already help my client to plan for their retirement.
And i notice GIRL hate NUmbering….
Got any exceptional???
Having one (esp for free) is definitely a plus as compared to none. Having said that, one has to ensure that the financial planner can really help you alighn your goals and work with you hand-in-hand to achieve those plans.