Who is Financial Planning meant for ?     Financial Planning is meant for all those who want to sort systematically achieve their life goals, through proper financial management.  There is no specific age or station in life to pursue this.  It works for all those who are serious about getting a path laid out and following that path.     Why should I pay for financial advisory services and reduce my capital?   You will be paying for professional advise which will help you manage your finances better, achieve your long-term financial objectives and get better returns overall. A financial plan gives you clarity about goal achievement, direction one needs to take, interplay of the effect of various goals and the commitments required for them, choice of appropriate investment vehicles for the intended purposes etc. Also, there would be better management of funds and the consequently the possibility of better returns.         I already have a CA, who is taking care of my investments?  Why do I require a Financial Planner?     A CA is an accountant who helps you in the compliance of govt. regulations and tax. He does not advise on financial planning.  Helping people to crystalise their objectives, and drawing and implementing a plan taking into account their investment, risk, tax, retirement and other aspects, is the work of a Financial Planner.       Insurance / Mutual Fund Advisor is giving all the information required on the plans. Why do I require a Financial Planner?     Insurance Advisor is attached to a company and wants to sell his company’s policies. Also, he may push products where his interests lie and not necessarily ones that suit your needs. An MF advisor may push for NFOs and other schemes which give him maximum brokerage. They do this as that is the only way they are remunerated and they are from the company’s side.  We are from the client’s side and look at what is most beneficial in terms of fit and costs. Since we are paid fees by our clients, we retain our independence and advise without  prejudice. Also, since the financial planner knows the overall picture, the advise will be a lot more specific and fits well.       Will a financial planner assure me a higher return that what is normally possible?     Financial planners do not give any implicit / explicit guarantee of returns.  What a Financial Planner brings about is a well orchestrated plan which will be able to achieve the goals in the time frame specified, through proper financial management. Better management of finances could incidentally result in higher than median returns – but that is incidental to the process.       How can I disclose all confidential information to a Financial Planner?     A Financial Planner is like a doctor. Only when you make a complete disclosure would a planner be able to come up with appropriate solutions. Half information given would ensure that the plan is inaccurate. Trust is important in this relationship. Confidentiality of data is assured with us. Hence, in your best interests, you should disclose full & correct information.       Will a Financial Planner file tax returns?     Financial Planners typically do not file tax returns. They are actually the domain of Chartered Accountants and Tax Return consultants.