The popular press and numerous internet sites provide an abundance of information on the do-it-yourself concept of financial planning. Anyone can do it, they say. We are educated with jargon about management expense ratios, front versus rear loads, sector funds, trailing commissions, diversified portfolios, wrap accounts, dollar cost averaging and on and on and on. Many financial institutions tend to thrive on this myriad of misunderstood information. Clients are herded through their system, often with a failure to address their personal needs.

With a few tidbits of information, people are tinkering with their financial future. Don't be distracted from your real objectives. You are busy with your career and family obligations. There is nothing wrong with retaining a professional to help you develop a personal financial plan, one drafted specifically to meet your personal goals.

As we get deep into the "RRSP Season," you may be tempted to make a quick decision for your chosen financial planner. This is not a decision to be made in haste. Look beyond socking away money to receive a tax break. The goal should be to obtain sound financial planning to properly project how much you need to save by a certain age to meet your retirement income objective.

You need to find a planner you can trust to provide an expertise you do not have. There are plenty of qualified financial planners to select from. Some sell products while others work on a fee basis. Interview a few to find one who is compatible with you and is able to form an intuitive perspective of your needs and objectives.

Financial planning is not a commodity that can be purchased on any street corner. It is not the same everywhere. A good financial planner is worth many times the fees or commissions he or she will earn. Take your time in selecting the right financial planner to meet your needs. In the long run you won't have to waste as much time deciphering the volumes of information that comes your way on a daily basis. Most important, look for a planner who can provide you with peace of mind.

This is a monthly article on financial planning. Call or write to Rick Sutherland CLU, CFP, FDS, R.F.P., of Fundex Investments with your topics of interest at 798-2421 or E-mail at rick@invested-interest.ca.