Some personal finance websites, magazines or self-help books can help you do your own Financial Planning. However, you may decide to seek help from a professional Financial Planner if:

• you need expertise you don't possess in certain areas of your finances. For example, a Planner can help you evaluate the level of risk in your investment portfolio or adjust your retirement plan due to changing family circumstances.
• you want to get a professional opinion about the Financial Plan you developed yourself.
• you feel that a professional Advisor could help you improve on how you are currently managing your finances.
• you have an immediate need or unexpected life event such as a birth, inheritance or major illness.
• you know that you need to improve your current financial situation but don't know where to start.

The government does not regulate Financial Planners as Financial Planners; instead, it regulates Planners by the services they provide.

• The government does not regulate Financial Planners as Financial Planners; instead, it regulates Planners by the services they provide.
• For example, a Planner who also provides insurance transactions is regulated as an insurance agent.
• As a result, the term 'Financial Planner' may be used inaccurately by some Financial Advisors.
• To add to confusion, many Financial Advisors like accountants and investment Advisors can also offer Financial Planning services.
• To be sure that you are getting Financial Planning advice, check if the Advisor follows the six step process.

You are the focus of the Financial Planning process. As such, the results you get from working with a Financial Planner are as much your responsibility as they are those of the Planner.

• Set measurable goals:Set specific targets of what you want to achieve and when you want to achieve results.
• Understand the effect of each financial decision: Each financial decision you make can affect several other areas of your life. Remember that all of your financial decisions are interrelated.
• Re-evaluate your financial situation periodically: Revisit and revise your Financial Plan as time goes by to reflect these changes so that you stay on track with your long-term goals.
• Start planning as soon as you can: Don't delay your Financial Planning. People, who save or invest small amounts of money early, and often, tend to do better than those who wait until later in life.

The following are some of the common mistakes made by consumers in their approach towards Financial Planning

• Make a financial decision without understanding its affect on other financial issues.
• Confuse Financial Planning with investing. Neglect to re-evaluate their Financial Plan periodically.
• Think that Financial Planning is only for the wealthy. Think that Financial Planning is for when they get older.
• Wait until a money crisis to begin Financial Planning. Expect unrealistic returns on investments.
• Think that using a Financial Planner means losing control. Believe that Financial Planning is primarily tax planning.

A Financial Planner is someone who uses the Financial Planning process to help you figure out how to meet your life goals.

• The Planner can take a 'big picture' view of your financial situation and make Financial Planning recommendations that are suitable for you.
• The Planner can look at all your needs including budgeting and saving, taxes, investments, insurance and retirement planning.
• Or, the Planner may work with you on a single financial issue but within the context of your overall situation.
• This big picture approach to your financial goals sets the Planner apart from other Financial Advisors, who may have been trained to focus on a particular area of your financial life.