What You Need to Tell a Financial Planner

When you sit down to speak with a financial planner, there are a few things that you need to know and to bring with you, explains Alexa von Tobel, CEO of investment advisory firm LearnVest. It's important that you bring as much information with you when you speak to a financial planner. Planners can't help you if you keep them in the dark.

Bring your tax returns from last year, information about your financial accounts (including logins), and information about any employee benefits to which you are entitled.

And be honest. Financial planners have heard it all, so don't be embarrassed to admit to anything. The more your planner knows, the better he or she can help you.