A good financial planner will give advice on the following:

 

• What you need to differently;

• How much you need to save;

• What types of retirement accounts to use;

• What type of mortgage you should have;

• What type and how much insurance you need (this would include life insurance, long term care insurance, disability, and some planners also give advice on property and casualty and health insurance);

• How much to keep in your emergency fund;

• What changes might improve your tax situation;

• What rate of return you will need to earn to achieve your goals over a given time frame;

• Whether it makes sense for you to pay off your house; and

• In addition, many financial planners provide estate planning advice and tax planning services.