HOW TO FIND RETIREMENT PLANNING SERVICES

Sometimes you just need a little extra help when it comes to retirement planning. There are lots of retirement planning services out there, you just have to know where to look.

TV

Tune your TV into a news channel and you will be sure to see tons of commercials for financial and retirement planning services. By watching these you can get a feel for what is out there and what service is being offered by each company. Keep an eye out for discounts and introductory offers.

It may be handy to keep a running list of the companies you see on TV and what they offer so that you can follow up on the information later.

Internet

There are several national banks and financial groups that have retirement planning services online. You can either use their handy, free tools on your own, or you can chat with financial planning professionals at your computer. This option is great for people who are unable to leave their homes or who lead a busy lifestyle. Many of these sites require that you become a member and pay a fee for their services.

The Human Touch

If you would rather sit face-to-face with a human then you may want to look for a local retirement planning services.

Start by asking around. Youll want to find a company that is reliable, with friendly people. The best way to find these companies is by asking your friends and family who they use.

You can also look in the phone book and cold call companies. Some of the questions you should ask are:

o         What services do you offer?

o         Do you work specifically with retirement planning?

o         How much do you charge for your services?

o         When are you open?

o         Are you affiliated through a national or local bank, or any bank at all?

o         Is the initial consultation free?

Make sure that you feel comfortable with the companys answers before you make an appointment.

Work it Out

Many people dont realize that some of the best retirement planning services can be found at the personnel office at their job. The personnel office can help you find and sign up for every perk, investment, and savings benefit your employer has to offer. They can show you how to use them effectively for your income and lifestyle.  Some businesses even work with banks and local investment firms to get retirement information to their employees along with discounts for their services. Your office may be able to direct you to good retirement planning services around town.