The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) will offer free general financial advice online, to all Australians for one month, 25th May- 19th June.
Through the FPA's online service 'Ask an Expert', consumers will be able to submit questions via email, asking for general financial advice.
This positive community initiative by the FPA will be launched during Financial Planning Week (FP Week) 25th - 31st May.
Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, Senator Nick Sherry, said it was now a good time for consumers to seek the advice of a financial planner.
"It is important that consumers have a good understanding of their finances," Senator Sherry said.
"I welcome the role played by the FPA in promoting the value of advice to Australians during Financial Planning Week.
"This has become an important event in the financial services industry calendar and I understand the need for quality professional advice, particularly in these uncertain times."
FPA CEO Jo-Anne Bloch said, The 'Ask an Expert' service is a fantastic community initiative and will be launched again after great success last year, to tie in with FP Week.
"Now more then ever people should be seeking valuable financial advice. FPA members are committed to ensuring consumers make the most out of their financial situation, which is why so many members have volunteered their services at no cost," Ms Bloch said.
"Following the May 12 Federal Budget, many people will have questions about how their financial situation is affected. We are urging people seeking advice about the Budget to get online and ask an expert for advice."
"Consumers will be able to email questions regarding a range of financial topics including superannuation, setting financial goals and budgeting, savings and investments, retirement, and other topics challenging consumers every day" Ms Bloch said.
Volunteer financial planners'
profiles will be available online at www.goodadvice.com.au for consumers to choose who they would like to answer their question, according to their location.
In 2008 'Ask an Expert' received 354 questions during the month of May.
Answers given by FPA volunteers will be limited to general advice which does not take into account the personal circumstances of those asking the questions.
Consumers will be encouraged to seek personal financial advice from professional financial planners where appropriate.
To 'Ask an Expert' go to www.goodadvice.com.au.
ENDS
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