Money Help for Gen Y: Get a Financial Planner

Lise Andreana understands that not all young people are properly taught how to handle their finances. Little or no money education usually translates to 20-somethings with low-paying jobs, no insurance, student loans, and a lot of dinners consisting of mac ‘n’ cheese. There are finance basics that every young person should learn, including how to do a proper budget; how to save money and pay off debt; and what “good debt” and “bad debt” are. But how does one find trustworthy, straightforward financial advice on the basics and beyond?`

Andreana, author of No More Mac ‘n’ Cheese: The Real World Guide to Managing Your Money for 20-Somethings, says that it’s not impossible to turn things around with a little financial education (starting, of course, as young as possible). Once you’ve mastered the basics, it takes a financial life plan to get you on your way to the life, and later retirement, that you’ve always pictured for yourself.

So how do you get a financial plan? Consult a professional, certified financial planner!

“While growing up, you had the benefit of teachers, tutors, and coaches, so why should adulthood be any different? Superior results are easier to achieve with good advice and the help of a coach,” she wrote in No More Mac ‘n’ Cheese.

According to Andreana, finding and hiring a financial planner who will meet your needs can help you to:

• establish realistic goals,
• create a comprehensive financial plan outlining the actions and steps required to achieve goals,
• find tax-savvy saving ideas,
• protect you from risk with insurance advice and products,
• acquire solid investment advice and a diversified portfolio,
• find other professionals as necessary, such as accountants, bankers, lawyers, or mortgage broker, and
• find more time to enjoy life as your planner takes care of some of the work.

There are many benefits to finding the right advisor for you. Start by talking to family and friends, and look for someone you can trust.

Some advisors call themselves planners, but would more accurately be described as insurance advisors or investment advisors. These types of advisors may make a commission on products they sell you, so be aware of how your advisor (or planner) makes his or her money off of you.

If you would like a financial planner, look for someone with the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. Ask a lot of questions and be sure you are comfortable with the planner you choose.

Whether you are Gen Y yourself, or the parent of a Gen Y who needs money management help, No More Mac ‘n’ Cheese: The Real World Guide to Managing Your Money for 20-Somethings, by Lise Andreana, Certified Financial Planner, can help you or your loved one on the path to financial freedom. It includes a list of questions to ask a potential financial planner, such as about the types of services provided, the education he or she has, and whether any complaints have been lodged against him or her.