In today's world of "just google it" and "Web MD"  where a sea of information and opinions are available, it often makes it harder to figure out what part of that information actually applies to you, especially in the world of finance and retirement?   In a "do it yourself" society we are influenced and even encouraged  to attempt  many things ourselves and have all experienced at one point or another in our lives the value of a professional.  Consider this, if you were dealing with a major health situation would you trust yourself to make the official diagnosis or perform the surgery that you need?  Everyone needs someone on their side.  Basketball coach Bobby Knight once said "The key is not the will to win.  Everybody has that.  It is the will to prepare to win that is important."  The freedom to do what you want; when you want; doesn't come by accident; it requires preparation if you want to live a comfortable life in retirement.  We understand the difficulty in preparing for something that seems so vague (abstract) and often lacks a clear direction.  Taking control means taking your first step forward.  Take a few seconds and watch this video.