How to Find Someone to Help You Set A Budget

Identifying how much money you earn each month, what you spend it on and how much to save or invest every month is a basic requirement for money management. Setting a personal budget does not have to be challenging, especially if you seek advice from an experienced professional or counselor. There are several resources available to help.

Instructions

1. Check resources developed by professional organizations that represent financial planners, money managers and budget advisers. The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors and the Financial Planning Association both publish directories, links and tools to help you find a nearby financial planner (see Resources). Although most initial consultations with a financial adviser are free, subsequent appointments to get help with budgeting will incur a fee. Be sure to ask potential planners for a schedule of fees when you talk during your initial meeting.

2. Look for a local credit counselor (see Resources). In many cases, the counselors can assist you with personal budgeting setup, basic money management practices and strategies to reduce or consolidate debt. Credit counselors in your community can also help you locate free or low-cost help with personal finance issues, including setting up a budget, introductory financial planning classes, tax assistance and information on investing.

3. Contact local charities or foundations that provide financial assistance and counseling. Community-based foundations, nonprofit charities and educational arms of for-profit financial companies provide free or low-cost advice and assistance with setting up a budget.

4. Check the websites of your local city and county governments. They often provide assistance with financial counseling and budgeting through their departments of human services.

References

• National Foundation for Credit Counseling: Find a Counselor Now
• Consumer Credit Counseling Services: About Us
• National Association of Personal Financial Advisors: Find an Advisor
• Financial Planning Association: Find a Planner
• Gradient Gives Back: Overview
• Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: Help in Hard Times

Resources

• National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
• Financial Planning Association
• National Foundation for Credit Counseling: Find a Counselor Now
• Consumer Credit Counseling Services: About Us