The New Paper : 09 September 2008 WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A FINANCIAL PLANNER By Suze Orman

A REALLY talented financial adviser is an incredible asset. But a bad or
even mediocre planner is going to create a mess for you and put your
financial security at risk.

Here are some important 'first impressions' to look for:

Someone who has you go to her office. If she comes to you, it's a sign
she has too much time on her hands.

If you live with a spouse or partner, a good financial planner will ask
that both of you attend any meetings.

The planner's job is to truly understand the total financial situation
of your household, which means she should want to be familiar with the
needs, wants and risks of you both - individually and as a couple.

A clean office/desk. A planner who isn't organised isn't the right
person to handle your money.


Before a planner tells you what to invest in, she should have talked to you
about:

1. Whether you have any debt other than a mortgage, such as credit card
debt, student loan debt and so forth.

2. Whether you anticipate needing to provide financial assistance to your
parents during their retirement, and/or receiving an inheritance from them.

3. Your plans for a family, especially whether you intend to send your
children to private school and to what extent you intend to finance their
college education.

4. Whether you rent or own a home and what your goals in this area are. Do
you want to trade up to a bigger place or different neighbourhood or
downsize?

5. Your life insurance needs, if anyone is dependent on your income.

6. Retirement investments you already have.

Suze orman is one the best financial planners and money managers in the world today. She is the author of several books on financial management and also hosts "The Suze Orman" show on CNBC.