Time to get Money Smart; Map out a financial plan before you begin investing

Money. We all have it. Some have more, some less. So what do wedo with the money we have and the money that we make?

Quite simply, you need a financial plan, which is nothing morethan your own personal road map for your money. You don't needadvanced math, you don't need a college degree, and you certainlydon't need a fortune to start.

All you need is a little time and a little guidance.

Creating a financial plan is like planning a vacation. You needto know where you are, where you want to go, and how to get there.

You wouldn't bring a bag of money to a ticket counter at O'Hareand ask to be sent somewhere. You would have an idea of where youwanted to end up before you started. Yet, most individuals take thebag of money approach when it comes to financial planning, headingsomewhere without a destination in mind.

The consumer is ultimately responsible for managing his or herown personal finances. Where you end up on your financial trip willbe a direct result of the time you spent planning your journey.

Consumers who choose to plan their own financial journey havevast amounts of information at their disposal. The challenge issifting through the mountain of available material to determinewhich course of action to take.

Because personal finance is just that, personal, it's difficultto adhere to a plan written for a mass audience.

Consumers who seek professional guidance should look for aqualified financial planner, one who can help map out your personaland financial goals and tailor a plan to meet your specific needs.

Two good sources to use in your search for qualifiedprofessionals are info@fpaillinois.org and www.plannersearch.org.

Money Smart Week provides an excellent opportunity for consumersto learn more about personal finance and ask for guidance fromqualified financial planners. Consumers can attend hundreds ofpersonal finance programs throughout the city and suburbs on topicsranging from basic budgeting to debt consolidation, how to choose afinancial professional and how to apply for college financial aid.

Whether you decide to go it alone or seek guidance from aqualified financial planner, now is the time to take control of yourpersonal financial life.

Edward W. Gjertsen II is a certified financial planner andpresident of the Illinois chapter of the Illinois Financial PlanningAssociation, and a principal at Mack Investment Securities,Glenview.