Q & A - Frequently Asked Questions about Smart Planner
What is Smart Planner?
While it begins with a personal questionnaire, Smart Planner doesn't end when you receive your personalized report. Rather, your report is a process that allows you, perhaps as never before, to move knowledgeably and confidently from the present to the future.
Smart Planner is not offered to the general public and is available exclusively to public television and public radio members.
Who Should Use Smart Planner?
Financial wellness is a goal for virtually everyone. Over the last decade Smart Planner has been used successfully by individuals and couples just starting out, mid-career families, wealthy individuals, pre-retirees and retirees.
If you don't currently have a financial plan, Smart Planner will help you develop one; and if you do have a plan, Smart Planner gives you the power of a second opinion in weighing your plan's strengths and weaknesses.
How is Smart Planner different from other financial plans?
Smart Planner is completely unbiased, objective and obligation free. It is not intended to sell you any particular product or service; no solicitaion of any kind will follow. While your report will provide specific strategies and recommendations, the report is yours alone and you are free to use its information as you desire.
How difficult is the questionnaire?
The power of Smart Planner lies in its high degree of relevance to your own situation. Thus, the questionnaire is very comprehensive in nature. But the questions are straightforward with most people able to complete it in under an hour.
Who will have access to the information in my questionnaire and personal report?
All information received from and sent to you will be kept strictly confidential. Your name will not be given to any other company or organization.
How long will it take to receive my personalyour Smart Planner report?
You will receive your Smart Planner personal report by mail within four weeks after submitting your personal questionnaire.
Exactly what type of information will I receive in my personal report?
Based upon your completed questionnaire Smart Planner will be fully comprehensive and personalized. While no two of the 30-45 page reports are the same, all address these key financial areas:
- A clear explanation of what steps should be taken to improve your financial security
- Investing wisely (even if you're just starting)
- Obtaining the right kind of insurance at the best price
- Planning for major expenses like a new home or college
- Planning for a financially-comfortable retirement
- Minimizing income taxes
- Preparing key estate planning documents
What else can I expect in my report?
Your report will also include a priority listing of the report's recommendations so you can take immediate action on the most important financial matters; a diversified investment strategy including a list of top, no-commission mutual funds; worksheets, checklists and a list of free publications and web sites to assist you in future financial decision making. You may choose to receive your worksheets either on paper or, if you have access to a computer, you can receive the worksheets on a diskette. The choice is yours.
What do I do after receiving and reviewing my Smart Planner report?
The future is yours and your report will contain recommendations on actions you should take either on your own or when seeking additional guidance from attorneys, insurance agents, investment advisors, tax consultants and financial planners.
