Financial Planners/Advisers

First and foremost, if you do not have a financial planner or adviser, you should!  Financial Planners can help you set your financial goals to support your personal goals.  They will gather all your financial information, create a report, and help you on your way to achieving your goals.  Do your research!  Make sure your Adviser is qualified.  One way to find a good adviser is to ask someone you know who is successfully managing their money who THEY use.  Some things you should know:

How are they paid?

Financial planners can be paid by you on a hourly basis, or based on how much money they are managing for you.  They can also be paid a commission by the funds they put your money into.  Ask them up front and make sure you understand and are comfortable with the fee structure.  For Planners in your area contact:

FPANET.org

NAPFA.org

Accountants

Many Young People think accountants are only for businesses or for filing tax returns.  If you have income, if you have assets, if you have debts or all of these - you can benefit from the services of a qualified accountant or CPA (Certified Public Accountant). 

Your CPA can advise you on how to file for withholdings on your paycheck, how much to save for emergencies, how to handle taking loans or paying them off.  They can advise you on how to make charitable donations, claim deductions for your home office, or child care expenses.  They should also be knowledgeable in Retirement Planning, Health Savings and Educational Savings Accounts.

If you need help finding a CPA in your area:

AICPA.org

Attorneys