Thanks to the growth of this personal finance blog, I often receive notifications of personal finance related events around the country. Most I ignore as they are trying to sell a product, but this one from the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) and Kiplinger's is quite a good deal if you need some quality (free) financial advice. Here is part of the official press release, with details of the Jump Start program:

Jump-Start Your Retirement Planning in 2009 with Free Financial Advice from Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and the National Association of Personal Financial Advisor. Millions of American investors in or near retirement have watched their 401(k) balances plummet along with their home values during the current economic crisis. So, what should they be doing now to protect their nest eggs? How has 2008 affected younger workers with decades to go before retirement?

Whether you’re plotting your exit strategy or just starting your career, two of the most trusted names in personal finance can help you determine if your retirement planning is on track. During two special days in January, consumers can receive free, personalized answers to financial questions by picking up the phone or logging on to a computer. For the eighth time, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine and the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) are joining for Jump-Start Your Retirement Plan Days.

On Tuesday, January 13th and Friday, January 30th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, NAPFA members across the country will be standing by to answer your financial questions. Normally these Fee-Only planners, well versed in investments, taxes, insurance, estate planning, and saving for college and retirement, charge clients $150 to $300 an hour. But, during Jump-Start Days, their expertise is free. Just dial toll-free 888-919-2345 or log on to www.kiplinger.com/links/jumpstart/ anytime from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time on January 13th or January 30th to participate in an online discussion with an advisor.

"These are frightening times for investors,” says Kiplinger's Personal Finance editor Janet Bodnar. “But it’s important to take a long-term view and to make decisions based on facts, not just emotions. These Jump-Start Days are a great way for consumers to evaluate whether their retirement goals are on track.”

During the January 2008 Jump-Start Days, ninety NAPFA volunteers fielded approximately 4,100 calls. “Volunteer advisers from across the country are prepared to help as many people as possible during these unsettled times,” says NAPFA chief executive officer Ellen Turf. “Our members can share their insight and expertise with individuals whose financial futures are at stake.”

For more information on the Jump-Start project and tips on making the most of your retirement savings, see the cover story in the February 2009 issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance or visit www.kiplinger.com/links/jumpstart/ or www.NAPFA.org.

About the groups :

Since 1983, The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) has attracted Fee-Only financial advisors across the country by promoting some of the strictest guidelines possible for professional competency, comprehensive financial planning, and fee-only compensation. With almost 2,100 members across the country, NAPFA is the leading professional association in the United States dedicated to the advancement of fee-only, comprehensive financial planning. NAPFA may be found on the Internet at www.NAPFA.org or toll free at 1-800-366-2732.

Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine has been providing millions of Americans with down-to-earth advice on managing their money and achieving financial security since 1947. Along with www.Kiplinger.com, it is a trusted source of advice and information on saving and investing, taxes, credit, home ownership, paying for college, retirement planning, car buying and many other personal finance topics.

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