While there is advice and comments that float around everywhere and pundits abound on every subject that you can think of out there, yet there are three areas as far as they relate to your finances that you need to make sure that you receive competent, professional advice in.

A Good CPAThat sounds odd what I just wrote because who would willingly look for a "bad" CPA. The point I am making is that you should at least check them out and make sure that you ask questions of others that you know that may be using their services.

Having said that, when you consider a CPA and if they are able to give you dependable advice in avoiding taxes, retirement investing, and cutting expenses, they are worth every bit of the money per hour that they charge.

A Skillful lawyerWhen I refer to skillful lawyer I mean one that is able to and hopefully specializes in asset protection.

You will definitely need a trust and various other vehicles for you and your heirs. You will definitely need this if your assets are above a million dollars.

When I was a practicing financial advisor we had a lawyer that did nothing else but that for us.

Financial Advisor

One thing to remember in reference to someone who is helping you plan your finances is to be cautious of those who are connected with the insurance industry. If they suggest that you buy only "term" and then tell you to invest the rest: that you could live with. But if the advisor starts mentioning any other type of insurance start running for the door - as fast as you can.

These are simply the basics that you need to be successful and to help you keep checks and balances in your financial life.

This is one of the reasons why so many people die without even a will, which is by the way, an inferior product, although better than nothing. Rather you should talk to your lawyer about implementing a revocable trust which is far superior to the will.

Plan the financial life you desire and then bring in the professionals to help you structure how to handle the practical structures of the process.