9. What do you charge for your services? Do you work on a fee-only basis or a brokerage commission basis? Why?

10. How often do you meet your clients? Can you meet me once in three months? How receptive will you be to my queries that may arise at any time?

11. From what sources do you get new investment ideas? How do you keep abreast of market trends and swings? Do you have a team of experts to seek advice from?

12. How often do you re-evaluate your client’s financial portfolio? Will it be possible for you to provide me a quarterly assessment and advice regarding my financial portfolio?

13. Based on my needs and limitations, how do you plan to invest my money? Why do choose those investment options?

14. Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? Do you have any disciplinary action or complaints registered against you?

Always check your financial manager’s track record and client satisfaction level. Never go merely by his/her words. Remember that selecting your financial manager is much like selecting your doctor. If you want ‘sound health’ of your finances, select right manager. Never be afraid to ask questions and clear any doubt you might have, as finally its all about your money and your future.

Of these, retirement planning is probably most important priority; because we have to spend a significant portion of our life when we don't have any income coming in.

THE TEN MOST COMMON MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE IN MANAGING THEIR MONEY:

I believe this is reason why so many people have a needless struggle with their finances.

1.poor debt management through excessive borrowing - not being able to live "within your means". 2. failure to monitor their financial position. 3. lack of motivation (desire) to take action. 4. lack of foresight in looking ahead. N.B: 5. failure to set financial plans for future. Most people don't plan to fail, but fail to plan. 6. lack of knowledge. Financial ignorance can prove expensive. 7. inadequate protection against unforeseen events (life and general insurance), such as death, disability and physical losses. 8. procrastination in taking remedial action. And most importantly, 9. lack of discipline in saving habits. and

10. poor investments: you either pay too much tax on them or inflation eats into your return, or both...so that you money actually goes backwards. Even worse, you could lose all your money if company to whom you gave your money goes 'broke'.

KNOWLEDGE:

>From above we can see that some basic financial knowledge is vital for all people to survive in financial 'jungle' that is today's world. Gaining financial knowledge takes time, effort and discipline. You are manager of your finances, so make a PLAN to reach your financial GOALS. Then implement it.

ACTION is key word. Good luck

Craig Lock