With financial planning you will find that - "Happiness is often the result of being too busy to be miserable." - Unknown

Now that you’re mentally prepared and committed to the financial planning process, its time to get organized. I must caution you, there is some work involved so don't be overwhelmed by everything you need to do.  

The first thing you will need to help get organized and prepared for a sound future  is a 3-inch three ring binder, it should have at least eight major section and sixteen subsections. In this binder you will store your important personal information, listing of investment and any saving statements you receive, your planning worksheets and yes, your financial goals!

Once you’ve gotten a place to store all your documents, it is time to collect all of your personal and important information and store them in your binder so that you have everything you need in one safe place and at your fingertips.

What information do I need?

You need to know your current income; you will need the names and number of shares of those stocks, bonds and mutual funds that you’ve invested in along with the most recent statements.

You will need the information on your retirement plan and any investment you have set aside for retirement. You will also need:

1. Checking account statements
2. Savings account statements
3. Credit card bills
4. Mortgage or Rental Information
5. Auto Loans
6. Insurance Information (auto, home, life & medical)
7. Utility Bills (telephone, light, water & cable)
8. School fee information
9. Living Expenses information
10. Information on all other expenses