How to prepare for your first consultation

To get the most out of your first consultation it's best to come prepared.

Before the meeting, you should find some 'quiet time' and thinkcarefully about your financial and lifestyle objectives (for the short, medium and long term) and write them down. For instance, are there any particular goals you want to achieve by the end of the year, in three years, five years, 10 years, 20 years and more? If you have a partner, it's worthwhile to go through this exercise separately, and then discuss your thoughts together so that both of your ideas are addressed.

Below is a list of documentation you should also (where possible) bring along with you to your first consultation:

• an itemised list of income and expenses
• all investment and superannuation statements
• a detailed list of your assets and liabilities
• previous tax returns

It's also worth writing down the particular concerns you and your partner may have about your finances, and any questions that come to your mind when you're considering these issues. Writing everything down helps to ensure you cover all the issues in the meeting and to give the financial planner a clear idea of where you want to be and what concerns you have about getting there.

The more you're prepared, the sooner your financial planner can help you.