<title>Learn about using the Lifetime Planner vs. a planning professional</title>
<category>lifeplan</category>
<klink type="cncpt">Tell me more about using the Lifetime Planner vs. a planning professional</klink>
</index>
<content>
<p>The Lifetime Planner is designed to help you understand and achieve your financial goals. The information and calculations used are based on sound financial principles. Using the Lifetime Planner should help you gain clarity about your financial objectives and give you a picture of how your financial situation may change over time.</p>
<p>There's a difference, though, between a "do-it-yourself" tool like the Lifetime Planner and the advice given by a professional financial planner. A professional planner can help you shape your objectives, check your assumptions, and think in new ways about what your financial strategy should be.</p>
<p>Think of the Lifetime Planner as a great way to start thinking about financial planning and to see how your current assumptions match your financial goals. You may decide you want more help than a "do-it-yourself" tool can provide. If so, turn to a professional. You can read more about financial planning professionals on the MSN Money Web site. </p>
