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Getting Prepared

Gain insights into the value of working with a CFP® professional, learn what to expect from the process and find tools to help you prepare. Whether you’re looking for help with a particular financial need or a more holistic roadmap for your future goals, your CFP® professional can help you build confidence in your financial situation today, and plan for a more secure tomorrow.

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Invest in Your Financial Future

The Value of Financial Planning

Partnering with a CFP® professional is an investment in your financial future. Work with a financial professional who is trained to show you how to take a big picture view of your financial situation and identify strategies designed to help maximize your potential for reaching your financial goals.

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Planning Ahead

Set Your Financial Goals

Financial planning starts with setting your short- and long-term goals. The sooner you start planning for these goals, the better prepared you will be to reach them. Working with a CFP® professional can help you figure out how to prioritize these goals, as well as the amount of money you need to save to reach them.

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Plan early

When You Should Make a Financial Plan

The earlier you start, the better. Best of all, you don’t need to wait until you have a lot of money to create a financial plan. In fact, you can benefit from some level of financial planning at any life stage, whether you are just starting out in your career or thinking ahead to retirement.

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Support and guidance

The Financial Planning Process

Wondering what the financial planning process looks like? Learn how working with a CFP® professional is a collaborative process that can provide you with support, guidance and education.

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PLan in Advance

Checklist for Your First Visit

Before you meet with your CFP® professional for the first time, it helps to gather some of your key financial information in advance so your advisor can start to understand your current situation and help you reach your goals. Here’s a checklist that can help you prepare.

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Daniel Forbes
CFP® Professional

While that first meeting with a CFP® professional might be cause for anxiety, LetsMakeaPlan.org provides the information and questions necessary to make that meeting informative and productive.

Felicia Gopaul
CFP® Professional

“Working with a CFP® professional helps consumers understand the financial decisions they are making so they aren't implementing them in the bubble of their own mind.”

Find a CFP® Professional

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Provided By CFP Board