Ernst & Young's Financial Planning Essentials makes it easier than ever to take control of your money and start reaching your financial goals today. Drawing on the incomparable experience of Ernst & Young, it's packed with practical tips and strategies to start you on the road to smart financial planning. This short, handy guide covers all the basics, including: * Understanding your current financial situation * Setting your financial goals * Learning to build wealth * Evaluating the different kinds of investments * Protecting your finances against the unexpected * And much, much more . . . Plus, there are plenty of worksheets, charts, real-life examples, and special features, including: * $PLANNERS--quick planning tips for a bright financial future * $BUILDERS--money strategies to help you reach your goals * $SAVERS--ideas that can save you money right away ERNST & YOUNG LLP's personal financial counseling practice tailors financial strategies for people at all income levels. The firm is the author of the bestselling Ernst & Young Tax Guide as well as a wide array of books on business and money management. Visit the firm's Web site at www.ey.com/pfc.