Financial planners not only for the wealthy, FPA says

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) is using its annual Financial Planning Week to try and change consumer perceptions that financial planners are only for the affluent.

The FPA says Australians could be more proactive in ensuring their financial future is more secure, by accessing a planner.

The Association's consumer education campaign, Financial Planning Week, aims to increase consumer knowledge of financial advice and to debunk the perception that financial planners are only an option for the affluent.

The 14th annual Financial Planning Week runs from 25 August to 31 August. FPA CEO Mark Rantall believes the event is an opportunity to re-focus the discussion about financial advice and regain trust among consumers.

"We are aware that now more than ever, financial planners are in the spotlight. As a result, consumers may feel overwhelmed with information and might not know where to start looking or how to ensure they are receiving quality advice.

"Trust is a critical component of financial advice and Australians have the right to know that when they seek financial guidance, they can trust the person they find." FPA CEO Mark Rantall said.

Financial Planning Week aims to educate and illustrate the benefits of financial planning via a series of activities, including the ‘Ask an Expert' initiative that allows Australians to ask a financial planner any finance questions they may have.

"Financial Planning Week will be centred on the different life-stages, which can dictate various financial needs: young to mid-life, mid-life, pre-retirement and retirement."

http://www.moneymanagement.com.au/news/financial-planning/2014/financial-planners-not-only-for-the-wealthy-fpa-sa