FINANCIALPLANNING
By viewing each financial decision as
part of a whole, you can consider its short and long-term effects on
your life goals.
The financial planning process as
described by CFP Board, consists of six steps that help you take a
"big picture" look at where you are financially. Using these six
steps, you can work out where you are now, what you may need in the
future and what you must do to reach your goals.
The process involves gathering
relevant financial information, setting life goals, examining your
current financial status and coming up with a strategy or plan for
how you can meet your goals given your current situation and future
plans.
Financial planning provides direction
and meaning to your financial decisions. It allows you to understand
how each financial decision you make affects other areas of your
finances. For example, buying a particular investment product might
help you pay off your mortgage faster or it might delay your
retirement significantly. |