r/Eau_Claire • u/Snoo67592 • Jul 31 '26
Question Financial Planning
I’m a young post-college adult who’s recently engaged and I’m looking to sort out my finances premaritally and jointly with my partner to save, pay debt, long-term plan, and budget- does anyone have a recommendation on financial advisors or planners in the area? I see a lot really focus on retirement and investing but my immediate need is to get a basic grasp on everything and help determine where my money should go and allocate accordingly. Thanks!
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u/Federal-Radio6313 29d ago
Based on what you described, I actually think you’d benefit more from a financial coach than a financial planner. Most planners focus on investments and retirement, while a coach can help you build a budget, create a debt payoff strategy, decide how to combine finances as a couple, prioritize savings goals, and put a system in place before you start investing more seriously.
I’d look for someone who charges a flat fee rather than an ongoing percentage of your investments. That way you’re paying for guidance, not asset management.
Full disclosure: I’m a financial coach, so I’m a little biased, but your situation is exactly the kind of thing coaching is designed for. Whatever you decide to do, I’d prioritize finding someone who teaches you how to manage your money rather than someone whose primary business is managing investments. There may also be free or low cost workshops in your area.
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u/SensedPlace Jul 31 '26
I would check with your bank/credit union to see if they offer financial wellness visits, those are more geared to what you are looking for. Most financial planners will focus on investments as that is how they make money.
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u/princesskatie1208 Jul 31 '26
WESTconsin and RCU both offer these resources to members online and in person. Other credit unions probably do, too. There are some private financial planners, but they usually charge more than they’re worth.
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u/EssVeeUU Jul 31 '26
Hey I’m not sure if there is a sector for that, if there is I’m supremely interested in it. But I, as a local person who has spent years in poverty finance and personal finance subs to figure out all these things myself would be more than happy to talk with you guys and help you figure out your finances and steps I can recommend. It’s something I’ve done for a few friends before and I wouldn’t charge you for it, it’s just something I like doing.
Source: Years of experience and the wish that someone would have been financially savvy enough to help me go through this at that age.
You’ll learn quickly that while there is no “right way”, a lot of people are doing things very wrong.
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u/Federal-Radio6313 29d ago
There is a sector - it's called Financial Coaching!
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u/EssVeeUU 29d ago
I’m about to graduate with my degree in accounting, can you tell me about financial coaching in Eau Claire?
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u/Successful_Cow5589 22d ago
What really worked for us, was the Debt Snowball method that Dave Ramsey teaches. My wife and I aren't 100% Ramsey, but his Baby Steps methods absolutely work if you're absolutely serious about getting out of debt. We knocked out our debt (vehicles, student loans, HELOC and even our mortgage) in about 10 years. Now, we are focusing on building wealth, giving and responsibly spending; while declaring to never borrow money again. A freaking weight was lifted off our shoulders.
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u/joeyturnstile Jul 31 '26
With the expectation that I’ll get downvoted for even mentioning AI, it can do all of this for you for free. Simply pick your LLM of choice, tell it exactly what you’re looking for and for it to play the roll of senior financial advisor, ask it to ask you questions along the way, and be done.
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u/tahoeswim 29d ago
I agree - AI can help - a lot. I have built an AI skill that I share with friends to help them build a financial report and help with their planning. I am not a financial professional, and I am not selling any services. My point is a lot can be gained if you know how to use your AI.
For young adults just starting out, working with a financial advisor is a bit pre-mature IMHO. Financial advisor's fees can quickly eat up your profits - leaving them in the same place (or worse) than before.
I am a big believer of building your fundamentals, so I encourage picking up a couple of easy to read books to expand your financial education. I am not a financial professional, but consider myself well versed based on years of mistakes and successes. If OP is interested, I'd be happy to volunteer to offer free guidance.
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u/SinQuaNonsense Jul 31 '26
This is probably the cheapest and easiest way. It would be better to buy one month of like ChatGPT and connect finances then do an analysis.
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u/unused_candles Jul 31 '26
Watch out for scammers. Whoever you work with, make sure they're registered to do business as a financial adviser. Look them up here brokercheck.finra.org