Liz Koh: Wise up to using an important service

When should you see a financial planner?

Qualified financial planners are in short supply.It's not hard to know when it's time to call a plumber or a painter or to make an appointment with your doctor or dentist.

But when should you see a financial planner? Many people hesitate over this question because they don't understand what financial planners do.

Qualified financial planners are in short supply. While all financial planners are financial advisers, the reverse is not always true.

The principal focus for a financial planner is to help you set goals and develop strategies for achieving them.

These strategies can include getting the right balance between spending and saving, strategies for retirement savings, investment, protection from financial risk, tax and estate planning, and planning your retirement so you don't run out of money before your life ends.

A financial planner will review your financial situation and help you set goals.

While a planner may recommend product solutions for you, they will also act as your financial coach and mentor.

When necessary, they will refer you to specialist advisers and professionals for additional help. There are certain triggers that may prompt you to contact a financial planner:

* When you want to know if you are on the right track or not with managing your finances.

* When you need help with managing your money so you can achieve your goals faster.

* When you need to make a major financial decision, such as buying a house, investing money or buying insurance.

* When you have a change in circumstances, such as losing your job, ending a relationship, selling a business, receiving an inheritance.

* When you reach a new stage of life, such as starting your first job, marriage, starting a family, changing career or retiring.

So when should you see a financial planner? For most people, the answer is as soon as you can.

* Liz Koh is an authorised financial adviser. The advice given here is general and does not constitute specific advice to any person. A disclosure statement can be obtained free, call 0800 273 847. For free e-books see moneymax.co.nz and moneymaxcoach.com