2006 Press Coverage / Media Interest

Chicago Tribune, December 22, 2006 – In “Right gift book gives wealth of information,”
Gail MarksJarvis recommends Sheryl Garrett and Debra Neiman’s "Money Without Matrimony" as a resource for personal financial advice for unmarried couples.

InvestmentNews, December 18, 2006 – "The wealthy people, the millionaires or multimillionaires, will always have access to good financial advice," said Michael Joyce, president of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors' Consumer Education Foundation. "There is a growing source of advice for so-called middle-market people." Another option is The Garrett Planning Network, Inc., a network of advisers who offer hourly, as-needed financial planning and advice regardless of income or net worth.

St. Petersburg Times, December 17, 2006 – Helen Huntley, personal finance editor, offers her top suggestions for money related gifts at the holidays or any time of year in “This holiday season, put a Roth IRA under the tree.” In her list of books, she recommends “Starting Out” ($15.95, Dearborn Trade Publishing), edited by Sheryl Garrett. One of a series of guidebooks, this one is aimed at young people who are or soon will be living on their own.

Wall Street Journal, December 9, 2006 – There are plenty of easy to use online planning tools offering to tell you within minutes whether you're saving enough for retirement. But are they steering consumers in the right direction? "I strongly encourage people to use them," says Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Planning Network. They're "useful tools, but just like any tool, if not used faithfully and appropriately you could hurt yourself. These are like power tools – there’s electricity, and sharp blades involved." Read “Calculating Retirement Needs Online” to learn which calculators are useful and what factors to consider when using them.

Reading Eagle, November 21, 2006 – Sheryl Garrett’s approach to emergency funds was referred to in a column titled “Getting your money’s worth.” She suggests limiting your true cash-type emergency fund as long as you have ready sources of credit such as rich and loving relatives, a line of credit perhaps based on your home, high credit card limits or other sources of money in case of an emergency.

Redbook, Winter 2006 – Learn ways to control spending during the holiday season in “How to Say No to Impulse Buys.” To combat the urge to splurge, Sheryl Garrett, editor of the personal finance series On the Road, says to pay in cash. Credit cards have a way of fooling people into thinking they're not spending money, says Garrett. If you can't pay cash today, then you probably can't afford whatever you wanted to buy.

CNN Money, November 14, 2006 – In “Planning your financial future,” the Garrett Planning Network was recommended to a divorced 51 year old woman who needed advice about how to improve her financial future.

MSNBC, November 7, 2006 – Finding a reputable financial planner was suggested as a way of helping your parents stay on top of their finances in “Help your mom and dad in their golden years.” The article says you can accomplish this by hiring a fee-only financial planner through the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors or the Garrett Planning Network.

MSN Money, November 2, 2006 – The article, “12 steps you must take at 60,” discusses important issues you should consider before you call it quits and retire. "In most cases, once you leave, you can't go back. That's it," said Sheryl Garrett, co-author of the financial planning book, "Just Give Me the Answers." If you have to find out that you need to work longer, "it's better to swallow that earlier rather than later."

Newsday.com, October 29, 2006 – Sheryl Garrett, CFP® provided her expert opinion on the subject of emergency funds in the “Your Money” column by Warren Berry.

SearchBigDaddy.com, October 29, 2006 – “Consider scheduling a visit with a fee-only financial planner to get a second opinion,” writes the author of the article titled, “8 money moves you must make at 50.” The article suggests that you can get referrals from the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors or the Garrett Planning Network.

Reader’s Digest, October 2006 – “Keep More Cash” discusses ten financial hurdles and the solutions that will help you keep more of your money. The article advises consumers to consult a financial planner, and http://www.garrettplanningnetwork.com is referred to as a resource for hourly financial planners.

The Morning Call, October 8, 2006 – ''We're living in a world where a lot of people don't get the same number on their paycheck every single month,'' said Sheryl Garrett, founder of the Garrett Planning Network. Garrett went on to provide tips on how to budget for irregular incomes. This article, “Smooth our wrinkles from irregular pay,” was printed in the Baltimore Sun, Orlando Sentinel and more.

Boston.com, October 2, 2006 – Roy Komack answered Boston.com readers' questions about personal finance and investments. Komack recommended the Garrett Network's website as a resource for consumers to find fee-only financial advisors.

The Queens Gazette, September 27, 2006 – In “SENIOR How to Choose a Financial Planner,” the Garrett Planning Network was suggested as a source for Fee-Only financial planners who offer hourly as-needed advice and tips to anyone regardless of income level.

Annapolis Capital, September 25, 2006 – In an article on how to choose a financial planner, the Garrett Planning Network’s website is suggested as a place to look for financial planners who offer hourly as-needed advice to anyone, regardless of income.

Wall Street Journal, September 23, 2006 – For accessible financial advice, hiring a planner who charges by the hour is an option, particularly among self-directed investors who are looking for help with a specific problem or simply want a second opinion, writes Jane Kim in her article “Find Good, Cheap Advice.” An hourly planner might charge about $1,000 for a portfolio review, which includes evaluating whether a client has a variety of essentials in place, such as wills, insurance policies and tax-efficient investments, says Sheryl Garrett, who runs the Garrett Planning Network, a group of financial planners nationwide who bill by the hour. Sessions typically last between four and eight hours, she says.

New York Daily News, September 20, 2006 – Jean Chatzky’s article, “Using gas savings wisely,” provides tips and ideas on how to use the money you are saving due to the recent drop in the price of gas. Her first tip: Put your extra funds to the best use by paying off bills or loans first. If you do this, you can actually double your gas savings, according to Sheryl Garrett, founder of the Garrett Planning Network, an international network of independent financial advisers and planners.

SmartMoney.com, September 11, 2006 – “Rethinking Your Finances” discussed how Americans view their finances now, five years after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. When 9/11 occurred, people started to put their financial houses in order and they recognized, in a matter of a few moments, that everybody is vulnerable," says Sheryl Garrett, founder of the Garrett Planning Network, a nationwide network of fee-only financial planners. But as time passed, many of those changes proved to be short-lived. "We promised ourselves to get our financial households in order five years ago," Garrett says. "Have you done it?"

New York Times, September 9, 2006 – In an article aimed at providing advice on how to choose a financial planner, Sheryl Garrett, founder of the Garrett Planning Network, headquartered in Kansas City, provided tips and precautions to take as you search for the right planner.

Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Website, September 2006 – Posted on the MOAA website (http://www.moaa.org/) are helpful financial tips that were reprinted with permission from the book “Just Give Me the Answer$: Expert Advisors Address Your Most Pressing Financial Questions” by Sheryl Garrett, CFP® with Marie Swift and the Garrett Planning Network.

USA Today, September 1, 2006 – Just browsing? That’s what you think. "I call it unconscious spending," says financial planner Sheryl Garrett. "It's thoughtless and careless." In this article called “Understanding why you’re shopping can help curb it,” Garrett suggests that shoppers never assume it's okay to buy smaller items just because, say, they cost less than $10. "That's what gets us sideswiped," Garrett says. "We could get knocked off our plan almost every trip to a store."

Glamour, August 2006 – “The single-woman spending trap” provided tips on how to date without draining your bank account. On the subject of planning your dates in advance, Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Planning Network said, “don’t wait until the last minute – that’s why couples end up overspending.”

Washington Post, July 26, 2006 – In the article titled, “Finding the right adviser”, the Garrett Planning Network website was recommended to consumers as a place to locate a financial planner who charges by the hour.

Inside Bay Area, July 21, 2006 – In “Windfalls may present financial challenges,” Sheryl Garrett, founder of the Garrett Network, provided advice on how to handle extra money coming in that you weren’t expecting.

USA Today, July 17, 2006 – “Looking for a home for those graduation gift checks? Consider Roth IRA” discusses the benefits of opening a Roth IRA account with your graduation money. There are options even if you don’t have the minimum investment amount allowed for a particular fund. T. Rowe Price will let you invest $50 a month until you reach the minimum, says Sheryl Garrett, founder of the Garrett Planning Network.

Los Angeles Times, July 12, 2006 - The writer of "Compensation system for many financial advisers weakens their advice on mutual funds" says that in an ideal world, the investor would pay the adviser for the advice, period, and the adviser would recommend any investment based only on what is the best for the client. Unfortunately, such arrangements are still relatively rare, although organizations such as the Garrett Planning Network have financial planner members who follow the practice.

Kansas City Star, July 2, 2006 – Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Planning Network, says she believes the Network’s no-frills approach provides top-flight planning help to clients who can’t afford five-figure planning fees. Garrett has received recognition for the way she packaged her financial planning services for beginners, do-it-yourselfers, and middle-income individuals and families.

MSNBC.com, Today Show, Jun 26, 2006 – Americans are living longer, pensions are shrinking, and Social Security is uncertain. That’s why financial editor Jean Chatzky says to start saving now! Chatzky suggests enlisting the help of a financial advisor from www.GarrettPlanningNetwork.com to help you determine how much you need to save for retirement.

USA Today, June 30, 2006 – USA Today called on Sheryl Garrett to try out several free online retirement calculators and to evaluate the results. Read “Retirement calculators can help you prepare for the future” for some suggested retirement calculators and Garrett’s tips on how to best use each of them.

MarketWatch, June 22, 2006 – Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Network was quoted in “Retirement Survival Guide” on how to secure your retirement without a pension. “Save," she says. "If you've got a retirement plan at work and they match, put in the amount to the match. Then, whatever else you need to save, put in a Roth IRA," Garrett said. "Once we've already taken advantage of our employer's matching contribution, then I prefer not to pay taxes on the earnings."

Essence Magazine, June 2006 – Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Planning Network and editor of “On the Road: Surviving Divorce” (Dearborn Trade, 2006), provided cash flow advice on how to bounce back from a divorce. One tip she provided was to tally up your expenses and income and cut back on dining out. "Making dinner can cut the food budget by 25 percent," advised Garrett.

Los Angeles Times, June 4, 2006 – Personal finance writer, Liz Pulliam Weston, recommends an objective, experienced, fee-only financial planner to take a look at your total financial situation. She also suggests the Garrett Planning Network website as a source for referrals in her article titled “Investor Near Retirement Needs Professional Help.”

Wall Street Journal, May 31, 2006 – Jonathan Clements column on choosing a financial planner listed the Garrett Planning Network's website as one of two sites to find a fee-only planner. “Go to www.feeonly.org or www.garrettplanningnetwork.com to find a fee-only financial adviser in your area."

Minneapolis Star Tribune, May 23, 2006 – The Garrett Planning Network was suggested as a group that specializes in project-based, fee-only financial planning for average Americans. The article discussed tips on how to find trustworthy financial planners and accountants.

NAPFA Confers 2006 Distinguished Service Award: Dallas, TX, May 20, 2006 – The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (www.napfa.org) recognized long-time member, Sheryl Garrett, at their national conference in Dallas in May. The award commemorates a cumulative, significant contribution to the advancement of the practice of Fee-Only financial planning and advising. Significance is measured by a positive impact on practitioners, consumers, and the profession as a whole. Garrett served on NAPFA’s national board from 2000 to 2002. Her efforts to bring competent, objective financial planning and advice to all Americans, not just the wealthy, were hailed by chairman of the board, Peggy Cabaniss.

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, May 5, 2006 – In “5 financial basics for single parents,” single parents are given ideas for how to keep their family economically stable. One of those ways, Sheryl Garrett discusses, is to secure your income. "If hiring a babysitter and taking an extra class enables you to earn an extra $5,000 a year over the course of your career, that one evening a week is definitely a worthwhile investment," says Garrett.

Top 25 Most Influential People: Investment Advisor Magazine, May 2006 – For the fourth consecutive year, Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, has been named one of the top 25 most influential people in the financial planning industry in “Making the Future Happen.” Six years ago, Garrett, 43, created the Garrett Planning Network, a group of advisors who offer financial planning—not asset management—for an hourly rate that ranges from $150-$300. The network is designed to help people with middle incomes afford planning their finances. “No one should have to apologize for where they are in life,” Garrett says. “If they have $4.35 or $435 million, it shouldn’t matter. I charge by the hour or by the project. Everyone has questions about money and everyone has needs. You don’t go into the doctor and get charged more because you weigh more.” Garrett stopped seeing clients in 2004 and now helps advisors tailor their practices to the hourly model by using the templates, processes, and educational tools she provides.

Forbes.com, May 1, 2006 – Marriage & Money Part 5: Sheryl Garrett, CFP® provided advice for “Eventually You’ll Retire,” an article discussing the benefit for young couples to look ahead into their financial future. "At 25, age 65 and retirement sounds like something that's never going to happen,” says Garrett. “Young couples need to know that compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world."

Chicago Tribune, April 30, 2006 - Sheryl Garrett, editor of "On the Road," a series of personal finance books (Dearborn, $15.95), was quoted on managing the pinch of gas and other costs.

Forbes.com, April 28, 2006 – Marriage & Money Part 6: In “College Debts,” Sheryl Garrett, editor of the “On the Road” series (Dearborn Trade, 2006), made several suggestions on how to help your children fund their college education without forsaking your retirement fund.

Forbes.com, April 28, 2006 – Marriage & Money Part 5: “There are significant tax benefits to being married,” says Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Planning Network. Learn about some useful tax planning tips in “Taxing Marriages.”

USA Today, April 28, 2006 – An article titled, “Many marriages today are ‘till debt do us part,” talks about the money issues that cause strife within loving couples. In the worst cases, money can be a home wrecker, writes Kathy Chu. Sheryl Garrett, founder of the Garrett Planning Network, discussed the financial complications that marrying later in life can bring to a marriage.

Forbes.com, April 26, 2006 – Marriage & Money Part 4: "Don't leap until you know exactly what you can afford and how you'll afford it," Sheryl Garrett says regarding first home purchases. "Stretch, but don't dream impossible dreams." Learn tips for buying your first home in “The Honeymoon Cottage.”

Associated Press, April 26, 2006 – In “Tools from Funds are a Good Start,” the Garrett Planning Network was named as a resource for fee-only financial planners who charge an hourly rate to provide the advice you need. This article appeared in many publications across the country including the Washington Post and Los Angeles Times.

Forbes.com, April 24, 2006 – Marriage & Money Part 3: Read “Insuring the Future” to learn what Sheryl Garrett, editor of “On the Road: Getting Married” (Dearborn Trade, 2006), has to say about young couples and insurance – life, health, disability, homeowners (or renters) and auto.

Forbes.com, April 17, 2006 – Marriage & Money Part 2: In “Needs, Wants, Luxuries,” Sheryl Garrett, founder of the Garrett Network, discussed budgeting tips for couples. Garrett says the key to successful budgeting is to look ahead to what you plan to spend rather than to review what you've already spent. You also must understand the difference between needs, wants and luxuries.

Forbes.com, April 10, 2006 – Marriage & Money Part 1: Sheryl Garrett, CFP® provided advice for “Talk about Money,” an article discussing the need for couples to be open and honest with each other about their finances. "Many young couples are so busy being romantic that they forget to talk about anything practical like personal finance," says Garrett. "Money isn't a romantic subject, but marriage should be seen as entering into a financial as well as a romantic partnership."

Oakland Tribune, March 31, 2006 – Sheryl Garrett, founder of the Garrett Network, provided tips on purchasing a home in “Timing housing market tricky for families.” Garrett said that getting pre-approval for the mortgage on a house will make you a more attractive buyer.

CBS4Boston.com, March 29, 2006 – Reporter Sara Underwood named the Garrett Planning Network as an online resource for financial planners who offer retirement planning services.

Los Angeles Times, March 12, 2006 – To keep peace within the family when an inheritance comes, www.GarrettPlanningNetwork.com was suggested as a resource for competent Fee-Only financial planners who could review the situation and offer suggestions about investments.

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, March 7, 2006 – “Make a Financial Match Online” compares online financial advisor networks to see which offer the best selection and services to meet consumers’ needs. The Garrett Planning Network is named as one of five resources listed in the article. To help you prepare to interview an advisor, it’s important to evaluate the planner’s personality, says Sheryl Garrett. "Do you feel like they listen to you? Do they answer your questions in a forthright manner?"

Motley Fool, March 2, 2006 – Sheryl Garrett was interviewed for her advice on avoiding common monumental money blunders before they occur. The article allows Garrett to point out the biggest mistakes people make during some of these major life/money situations.

OB/GYN News, March 1, 2006 – In “Tips for securing your financial future,” getting financial help if you need it was one of the article’s tips for building wealth. It was suggested to visit www.GarrettPlanningNetwork.com for a list of advisors who charge by the hour.

Money Matters with Linda B., February 23, 2006 – Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Network was interviewed on two radio show segments for her financial advice on “Surviving Divorce” and “Caring for an Aging Parent.”

Orlando Sentinel, February 19, 2006 – When you leave a job, you often don't have to remove your money from your old 401(k) plan, writes Gail MarksJarvis in “Job change doesn’t force fund switch.” The article also suggested seeking a Fee-Only financial planner, possibly via the Garrett Network website, to help you allocate your retirement plan portfolio

Kansas City Star, February 19, 2006 – Sheryl Garrett provided advice on when to seek out a tax expert and when to prepare your tax return yourself in “Tax help can be expensive, so shop for savings.”

EveryDay Wealth Radio, February 16, 2006 – Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Planning Network was interviewed on two radio show segments for her financial advice on “Money and Marriage” and “How to Afford Caring for an Aging Parent.”

Newsweek, February 13, 2006 – Personal Finance Writer Jane Bryant Quinn says that the more people worry about their money, the more they look for experts to help them straighten things out. Her article titled, “Money Guide: How to Pick a Planner,” suggests a CFP® professional who is Fee-Only and charges by the hour. The Garrett Planning Network is recommended as a resource for this type of planner.

Wall Street Journal, February 12, 2006 – Putting too many barriers between teens and their money prevents them from learning valuable lessons, some say. "I want them to have the lure" of thinking, "I could actually get at that," says Sheryl Garrett, founder of Garrett Planning Network.

Virginian Pilot, February 1, 2006 – Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Network, provided information on how to work with Fee-Only, hourly financial planners in “Choosing financial planners: Getting help for your wallet.” The Garrett Planning Network was suggested as a resource for planners who charge by the hour.

Los Angeles Times, January 15, 2006 – Personal finance writer, Liz Pulliam Weston, suggests consulting an expert when making financial decisions related to retirement. She then goes on to mention www.GarrettPlanningNetwork.com as a source to locate Fee-Only financial planners.

MarketWatch, January 4, 2006 – Legal experts say that couples on the brink of divorce often find their way to the attorneys’ offices in January and February to start the process. An article titled “Divorce spikes in January; best strategies if you’re a party,” offered advice on first steps that divorcing couples should take. One of the steps mentioned is to assemble a team of advisers to aid in finding a reasonable compromise. Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, editor of the new book "Surviving Divorce" and founder of the Garrett Network said, "A good family-law attorney or a good certified divorce financial analyst or Certified Financial Planner™ professional is going to help you measure the value of the asset you think you want to keep."

New York Media Tour, January 1-6, 2006 – Sheryl Garrett, founder of the Garrett Network, traveled to New York for a week-long media tour to promote the new “On the Road” personal finance book series. Sheryl along with the Garrett Network received much media attention while in New York.

Financial Planning Magazine, January 2006 – The unique needs and vulnerabilities of unmarried clients demand special sensitivity and an early start on later life planning. Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Planning Network, wrote “A Plan for One,” an article providing her expert advice for financial planners working with unmarried couples.