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Basic Steps: a suggestion

1. Print off the forms you will find under 'Analyse your finances'.

2. Using your financial papers and records, complete as many of the sections as possible. This will give you a factual summary of your financial assets and liabilities rather than an analysis of where you are financially - this comes later.

3. Locate your will. Is it current? If not, you need to take a view at this point. An out of date will is almost worse than no will at all. You must decide whether to amend immediately, or to want to see what your planning exercise throws out. Your will is an essential part of your planning.

4. Identify all possible financial milestones in the future, such as births, anniversaries, school fees, 'big gift' birthdays (18th or 21st ), marriages, retirement. Work out how much these things are likely to cost - and don't forget inflation.

5. Identify these milestones from the various elements of the site, and see what information there is. Any unknown words and phrases can be checked using the glossary and search facility.

6. Now, do you think that what you have now will give you what you want and need in the future?
   
   If you can say for certain that, yes, it will, then well done, keep up the good work.
   
   If you can't tell, or if you're sure it won't, then you need to start work and you probably need support.

7. Talk to your financial adviser - the preparatory work you have already done will make the planning process much easier for both of you.

REMEMBER You should not use any information contained on this page as the basis of any action until you have discussed matters with your financial adviser.