2005 Press Coverage / Media Interest

Los Angeles Times, December 25, 2005 – In “Be Realistic About Retirement,” personal finance writer, Liz Pulliam Weston, suggests www.GarrettPlanningNetwork.com as a place to find objective, Fee-only financial planners who can help you plan your retirement.

Wall Street Journal, December 12, 2005 – In “Before You Open that Nest Egg ... 10 Questions to Ask Yourself,” Journalist, Glenn Ruffenach discusses how to ensure your retirement "paycheck." Read page 3 of the article to see what he says about the Garrett Planning Network!

The Wichita Eagle, December 12, 2005 – In “Unmarried homeowners should draft agreement,” Sheryl Garrett, founder of the Garrett Network and co-author of “Money Without Matrimony,” shared her advice on what unmarried couples should do to protect themselves and each other if they decide to buy a home together.

Washington Post, December 7, 2005 – If you’ve read many personal finance articles, you’ve read the familiar phrase, “cut out those daily lattes if you want to save enough for retirement.” The article titled, “Bean counting and the ‘latte factor,’” discusses ways to cut back expenses that will help you far more than skipping a cup of coffee. The Garrett Planning Network website is mentioned as a source for affordable financial advisors who charge by the hour.

Chicago Tribune, December 4, 2005 – In “Give yourself the perfect holiday gift: Less stress,” Sheryl Garrett, founder of the Garrett Planning Network, provided guidelines to help limit your holiday spending. "If you're truly saving enough for retirement – most people aren't – and not spending too much in other areas, then perhaps you can go to 1 percent for everything except holiday travel and make the traveling over and above that," she said.

Charlotte Observer, November 28, 2005 – Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Planning Network was interviewed for her expertise in advising unmarried couples who would like to consider buying a home together. Garrett’s book, “Money Without Matrimony,” was also a sited resource in this article titled “Will you…buy a house with me?”

Detroit News, November 21, 2005 – Financial insights from Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Planning Network were included in an articled called “A simple yule gift from the heart: Priceless” by Eileen Alt Powell of The Associated Press.

Wall Street Journal, November 16, 2005 – In “Protecting your money from your child’s spouse,” Sheryl Garrett, founder of the Garrett Planning Network, provided suggestions on how to help your children financially. "If you structure it as a match, you encourage good savings habits, without being too controlling," says Garrett. "It can be a healthy way to gift money, and it makes the children invested in the goal."

Richmond Times Dispatch, November 11, 2005 – Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, fee-only financial planner and founder of the Garrett Planning Network, discussed planning ahead for holiday spending in “Planning can help reduce holiday shopping angst.” "With time on our side – a couple of months in advance of the holidays – we have the opportunity to step back and ask, 'What's a reasonable amount of money I can spend on holiday festivities, gifts and donations?'" said Garrett.

USA Today, November 6, 2005 – Each month a financial planner reviews a reader's financial situation in USA Today’s Managing Your Money column. Sheryl Garrett, founder of the Garrett Network, advised the Hetmers on steps to take to reduce their debt payments to approximately one third of their monthly income.

Southwest Airlines Spirit, November 1, 2005 – Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Network and co-author of “Money Without Matrimony,” discussed how unmarried couples can protect their finances in an articled titled “Financial Engagements.”

Birmingham News, October 26, 2005 – Sheryl Garrett, the Garrett Network, and Garrett Members Scott Cole and Joe Bedingfield were featured in “Expert: Save more, spend less, avoid bankruptcy.” Sheryl Garrett said too many people spend all their earnings without setting aside savings for emergencies and retirement. "The changes in the bankruptcy code mean now there is less room for error than before," Garrett said. "Bankruptcy has always been meant to be a last resort, and now it truly is the last resort for everyone. Buckle up and take responsibility."

Bankrate.com, October 17, 2005 – In an article titled “When it pays to stay single,” Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Planning Network, was interviewed regarding why it might make financial sense for some couples to stay unmarried. Garrett says that staying legally unattached could be financially beneficial for one or both partners when these five issues come into play: liability, credit and debt concerns, survivor's benefits, taxes, and children.

Los Angeles Times, October 7, 2005 – Planners stress portfolio diversification as well as looking for value in nontraditional funds in an article titled “Low-Return Market Calls for Discipline.” “Advisors whose clients are retired and either have no traditional pension or insufficient Social Security income to cover their necessities are looking hard at immediate annuities,” said Sheryl Garrett, founder of the Garrett Planning Network, an organization that caters to ordinary investors. Garrett said planners affiliated with her network increasingly are viewing immediate annuities as a viable option for their clients, "almost like another asset class."

Daily Record, October 5, 2005 – “The solution for people of modest means may be a planner who charges by the hour – not 1 percent of your assets to manage your portfolio and not a minimum (of say, $1,000),” wrote financial columnist Warren Boroson. Boroson’s article titled “Middle-Income people may prefer planners with hourly fees,” referenced www.GarrettPlanningNetwork.com for names of Fee-Only financial planners across the country who charge by the hour.

Business Week, October 3, 2005 – Journalist Amy Barnett describes Vanguard’s shift in strategy and offering of new services in ”Vanguard Gets Personal.” In the article, Sheryl Garrett, founder of the Garrett Planning Network, says that says that until recently she has coached her advisers to use Barclays' iShares because they have a wider variety of funds. But after a visit from a Vanguard representative, she now encourages them to consider VIPERs more, in part because they have lower fees.

Financial Planning Magazine, September 2005 – Our very own Sheryl Garrett was chosen to be in The Hall of Fame as one of the 26 Entrepreneurs and Investors who’s Achievements have Shaped the Business of Financial Advice. She is in very good company, as some of the others chosen were Warren Buffett, John Bogle, and Alan Greenspan. The magazine chose Sheryl because “Her resistance to commissions and sales incentives and her embrace of hourly fees for all account sizes are part of an effort to bring more transparency to the profession.”

Wall Street Journal, September 24, 2005 – In “Little Account? How to Get Help,” Staff Reporter Ron Lieber suggests hiring a financial planner like you would hire a lawyer or plumber. “There's a relatively small but growing niche of planners who charge by the hour. Many are listed on www.GarrettPlanningNetwork.com, the site for a group that promotes the hired-gun approach,” writes Lieber.

Accountingweb.com, September 20, 2005 – Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Planning Network was quoted in “Longevity: The Most Dangerous Planning Tool.” In a discussion regarding clients who don’t believe they will follow the current longevity trends, Garrett told MarketWatch, “If we don’t do something about adjusting our thinking now while we have time to make adjustments in our planning and saving so we have enough, one day we’re going to wake up broke.”

New York Daily News, August 28, 2005 – In an article about the urge to splurge, “Just Give Me the Answer$” by Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, with Marie Swift and the Garrett Planning Network was listed as a recommended reading for answers to 130 questions such as: "How can I become debt free?" "Am I taking advantage of all of the tax saving opportunities available?" and "Would I be better off to contribute to my company's 401(k) plan or contribute to a Roth IRA?"

Wall Street Journal, August 21, 2005 – In “How to Bridge the Retirement-Income Gap,” Journalist Jonathan Clements discusses how to cut retirement costs so that the dream of retirement is more achievable. Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Planning Network says that if you live in or near a major city, you may be able to find both cheaper housing and a lower cost of living by moving just an hour or 90 minutes' drive farther away. "The reality is, if all your wealth is tied up in your home, how else are you going to retire?" Garrett asks. "You could take out a reverse mortgage. But I view that as a last resort. Before you do that, I would think about downsizing the cost."

Forbes.com, August 4, 2005 – Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, co-author of “Money Without Matrimony” with Debra Neiman, CFP®, was interviewed for her expertise on the steps that older adults in unmarried relationships should take in their financial lives as they age. The article is titled, “Grandma’s Got a Boyfriend, Now What?”

USA Today, August 4, 2005 – “Getting sound financial advice comes down to finding a skilled, trustworthy adviser,” writes Kathy Chu in “Financial advice aplenty: Whom should you listen to?” Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, cautions consumers when working with financial planners who charge a percentage of assets under management. “Because the adviser has an incentive to make sure your asset level doesn't drop, he or she might not tell you to withdraw money to pay off the mortgage, even if it's appropriate,” warns Garrett.

Forbes.com, August 3, 2005 – Sheryl Garrett, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and co-author of ”Money Without Matrimony” provided helpful suggestions for unmarried couples who wish to have children in “Living Together Makes More Sense Than Marriage.”

Forbes.com, August 2, 2005 – In “Financial Tips for Unmarried Young Couples,” Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, and Debra Neiman, CFP®, shared seven financial tips for shacked-up young adults. "I encourage newer couples to draft a domestic-partner agreement that spells things out," said Garrett in one of the tips. "Both parties should keep a copy. If the relationship ends, the agreement can be enforced by going to small-claims court or a higher court if large amounts of money are involved."

Bloomberg Wealth Manager, July/August 2005 – Jonathan Clements, who writes the “Getting Going” column for the Wall Street Journal has managed to resist tired angles, according to journalist Mary Rowland. “He’s been writing the column for nearly 11 years and has never departed from his fundamental advice to consumers: Devise a basic asset-allocation strategy with low-cost index funds and stick with it. During the past few years, though, Clement’s advice that searching for a fee-by-the-hour planner like those in Sheryl Garrett’s Garrett Planning Network is the only way to find an honest planner puzzled me. Garrett’s network is a valuable alternative, but it’s not the only game in town.” Rowland asked Clements to explain. She goes on to say, “Clements divides practitioners who provide financial advice into three groups: financial planners, brokers and insurance agents. ‘We say that brokers are the bad guys and financial planners are the good guys,’ he says. ‘But insurance agents and insurance products fly under the radar screen, and they get away with bloody murder. The size of the commission they get would make a full-service broker blush. This should been the Golden Age for financial planning,’ says Clements, ‘with the Baby Boomers heading for retirement.’ What would the ideal landscape be like? ‘I can imagine a world in which wealthy individuals pay annual retainer fees and the middle class pays by the hour. That would go along way toward resolving conflicts of interest.’”

Chicago Tribune, July 31, 2005 – Can money actually save a marriage? “We may fight over it incessantly, but research suggests money is a tie that binds us together, for better or worse,” writes Journalist Janet Kidd Stewart in an article titled "Money binds couples, which isn't always a good idea." And as we loosen those financial ties, marriage is taking a hit. "Finances bind us together, and it's not always a pretty thing," said Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Planning Network. “Better to get ready for a solo act,” she said, “even during periods when we are living with loved ones we call family.”

Pioneer Press, July 25, 2005 – In “Having a baby? Start financial planning early,” Sheryl Garrett, founder of the Garrett Planning Network, was interviewed for her recommendations on life insurance for parents in the event of an untimely death. “Parents should buy what's called "term insurance" rather than "whole life" or "universal life" policies. Term insurance is generally inexpensive, while the others carry high fees and aren't necessary,” she says.

Yahoo News, July 25, 2005 – According to the recently released Rutgers University National Marriage Project the number of divorces is declining. But the lower divorce rate is largely because couples are postponing, choosing not to, or are legally unable to get married. Debra Neiman, CFP®, with co-author Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Network, caution these couples to do the necessary paperwork and planning while the relationship is good. "Because there are no laws to protect finances for unmarried couples – barring states that recognize common law marriages – planning today makes a possible break up tomorrow easier, financially speaking." The article is titled “Divorce Rate Plummets as More Americans Shack Up Instead of Getting Married.”

Star Tribune, July 8, 2005 – If you are looking for a financial planner, “there are advisers out there who specialize in working with middle-income folks, like the pros affiliated with the Garrett Planning Network,” writes Kara McGuire in “Pay Dirt: Trusted Adviser.”

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, July 2005 – In “New Missions for Army Pilot,” Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Planning Network, and Kent Grealish, CFP®, Garrett Network Member, of San Bruno, California, advised a young warrant officer and his wife on buying a house, starting a family and funding retirement.

Tucson Citizen, July 6, 2005 – “Some money professionals are, for a fee, now offering quick counseling by phone or online,” writes Romi Carrell Wittman in “Cyber Sightings: Your advisor is on the phone – and online.” She suggests visiting the Garrett Planning Network at www.GarrettPlanningNetwork.com as a referral source for a qualified financial adviser. For an hourly fee, these advisers will answer your questions, from the run-of-the-mill to the more complicated.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette, July 1, 2005 – In “Family Finances: Low-Cost Help Available for Personal Finances,” the Garrett Planning Network website was recommended as a place to locate financial advisors who charge hourly fees ranging from $150-$300 per hour.

Advising Boomers, June 2005 – Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Planning Network and columnist for Advising Boomers magazine wrote “The Adaptable Fee,” an article illustrating how financial advisors can work with a huge untapped market – mainstream Americans, wealthy validators and do-it-yourselfers. “I’d much prefer working with these untapped market segments, and get paid for all of my work, than to chase the same few prospective clients that most every other financial advisor is after.”

Clark Howard Show, June 29, 2005 - Ilyce Glink, sitting in for Clark Howard of the Clark Howard Radio Show, was called by a listener with some financial planning issues. Glink suggested he speak with a Fee-Only financial planner and suggested he go to the Garrett Planning Network website to locate a planner near him.

Detroit News, June 26, 2005 – Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Planning Network and co-author of “Money Without Matrimony,” hasn't heard that old joke about marriage and couple-hood – “Two can live as cheaply as one, but only for half as long" – but she's seen the reality of that line played out often enough to know that it's not a laughing matter. Garrett provides financial advice to wed and unwed couples alike in “Love and money: There’s more to say than just ‘I do’.”

Newsday, June 26, 2005 – In “Family Finance: Early Retirement Might be Dicey,” the Garrett Planning Network is a suggested resource for Certified Financial Planner™ professionals who can compare and calculate possible retirement scenarios for their clients.

Reuters, June 9, 2005 – More than 11 million Americans live together as partners without being married. In “Sharing Money without Matrimony,” Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Planning Network and Debra Neiman, CFP® offer tips for unmarried cohabiters. "Don't share any kind of commitment, don't merge any assets, don't share parenting or a household operating account or even buy a chair together, until you have a domestic partnership agreement in place," say Garrett and Neiman.

Money magazine, June 7, 2005 – The writers of “50 Smartest Money Moves: Money Management Tips” suggest hiring a financial planner to review your retirement and college savings plans. “At http://gpn.synthesis-inc.com/www.GarrettPlanningNetwork.com, you'll find planners who work by the hour. Getting on track will take eight to ten hours up front, plus an hour or two for a yearly checkup.“

Financial-Planning.com, June 2, 2005 – Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Planning Network and co-author Debra Neiman, CFP® were interviewed regarding their new book, “Money Without Matrimony.” “Financially, the deck is stacked against unmarried couples,” says Garrett. “But with a little planning, they can make the most of their financial resources, and, with some really good planning, can actually come out ahead.”

Top 25 Most Influential People: Investment Advisor Magazine, May 2005 – For the third consecutive year, Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, has been named one of the “Top 25 Most Influential People in Financial Planning.” Previously a successful wealth manager, Garrett left the wealth management firm to focus on serving middle-income clients. Because she began working with clients by the hour, they were able to obtain professional, commission-free advice whenever needed. She went even further by building a network that is expanding to more than 240 advisors dedicated to serving average folks. These planners are replicating her success by using the templates, processes and educational resources that Garrett developed while building her own firm. “I strongly believe that everybody should have access to competent financial advice,” she says. “Most folks can’t afford a full-time financial planner, but have questions about money all the time.”

Reuters, May 25, 2005 – “Whatever the reason, unmarried couples are all sacrificing something when it comes to money and legal rights,” writes personal finance journalist, Linda Stern. Some of those problems can be fixed with extra documentation and planning, according to "Money Without Matrimony" (2005, Dearborn Trade Publishing), by Sheryl Garrett and Debra Neiman, both of whom have good credentials and expertise for writing such a book.

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, May 20, 2005 – In “Gifts for the Grad,” a gift certificate for an hour or two of professional advice is suggested as a practical option when choosing gifts for graduates. According to the article, gift givers may consider Garrett Planning Network members that offer such gift certificates. With Garrett planners, gift certificates are generally valid for a year, so grads can get guidance when they need it.

Star Tribune, May 6, 2005 – Does the plan to never marry change the way couples should view merging their financial lives? Hopefully not. In order to be successful financial and life partners, Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Planning Network and co-author of “Money Without Matrimony,” thinks committed couples should think about their money matters in the same way – marriage certificate or not. Garrett was interviewed for her expertise in advising unmarried couples in “Ways of wealth out of wedlock.”

FPA This Week, April 25, 2005 – Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Planning Network and Financial Planning Association (FPA) member, testified at the House Financial Services Committee hearing titled "Generations Working Together: Financial Literacy and Social Security Reform." Garrett urged adoption of such concepts as spending less and saving more, spending less in retirement, getting better returns on investments and working longer in life.

Chicago Tribune, April 24, 2005 – “If greed is passe, why are so many people still trying to look rich?” writes Janet Kidd Stewart of the Chicago Tribune in “If money’s not everything, why try to fake having it?” "Many people deceive others to keep peace and harmony in a relationship and they don't even think of it as lying anymore," said Garrett, author of "Money Without Matrimony: The Unmarried Couple's Guide to Financial Security" that advises couples on blending financial lives. For people who want to change, Garrett suggests starting with a fundamental question to yourself: Do you want to wear your wealth or make it work for you?

House Committee on Financial Services, April 19, 2005 – The House Committee on Financial Services selected Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Planning Network, to testify as an expert on financial literacy and Social Security reform.

MarketWatch, April 17, 2005 – Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of the Garrett Planning Network, was quoted in “Be your own financial planner” for tips on how to take charge, consolidate and start saving big. This article suggests that one of the big secrets of financial planning is to consolidate and Garrett would agree. “Make this your mantra,” she says.

Reuters.com, March 30, 2005 – Idea #4 in Linda Stern’s column, “Finance: What to Do with Those Record Tax Refunds,” is to purchase a financial plan. In the article Stern references The Garrett Planning Network, Inc. as a resource for finding financial planning assistance.

Reuters.com, March 27, 2005 – In “Finance: Strategies for Military Folk,” Linda Stern provides suggestions on how military personnel and their families can find assistance with their unique challenges in handling their money. Stern points out that “the Financial Planning Association, The Garrett Planning Network, and the Military Officers Association of America, all offer reduced prices to “military folk” on quality financial planning services.

Newsday, March 20, 2005 – In a family finance article by Lynn Brenner, the Garrett Planning Network, founded by Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, is referenced as a place to locate advisors specializing in serving middle income clients on a fee-only, hourly basis.

Physician’s Money Digest, March 15, 2005 – The article, “Conquer Debt by Curbing the Temptation of Credit,” discusses the widespread problem of inability to manage debt and how physicians are particularly vulnerable to this problem. Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, author of “Just Give Me the Answer$” and Founder of The Garrett Planning Network, offered suggestions for younger physicians just getting started in their career. A young couple Garrett knows “got so used to living like college students that they continued living that same frugal lifestyle for the next few years. They didn’t live up to the standards one would presume for a physician. That enabled them to knock out their debts quickly and focus on the rest of their lives.”

USA Today, March 10, 2005 – For ideas on how to use your tax refund, read “Put your refund to work for you” by Sandra Block of USA Today. One suggestion in the article is to hire a financial planner. “Hourly rates for fee-only planners range from $150 to $300,” says Sheryl Garrett, Founder of The Garrett Planning Network. So for $2400 (average tax refund as of 3-5-05), you could buy eight to sixteen hours of financial advice. “In that amount of time, a planner could review your retirement and education savings plans and help you figure out whether you're saving enough,” Garrett says.

Kansas City Star, March 6, 2005 – “Just Give Me the Answer$” by Sheryl Garrett, CFP® with Marie Swift and The Garrett Planning Network was listed as a source of retirement planning information in “Retirement Planning Resources.”

Seattle Times, March 2, 2005 – Seattle Times staff writers recommend the Garrett Planning Network as a resource for fee-only advisers who specifically serve middle income clients, offering consulting on an hourly basis. The article is titled “How to pick a financial planner.”

Newhouse News Service, March 1, 2005 – Sheryl Garrett, financial planner and author, thinks the debate over Social Security could presage a drastic shift in the way Americans think about retirement as people live longer and public resources grow increasingly scarce. “Rather than planning on a total break from work at age 65, most people will have to plan to continue working at least part time or at a slower pace as they age in order to maintain their standard of living,” she said. No matter what happens in Washington, D.C., Garrett plans to keep giving all her working clients the same piece of advice about Social Security: Don't count on it. "It's going to continue to shrink as a percentage of our total need," she said. "That I believe." The article is titled “Privatization Plan Would Likely Hurt Workers Now in Their 40s.”

Washington Post, February 27, 2005 – Sheryl Garrett, CFP® and founder of The Garrett Planning Network was interviewed for her money management expertise in “Managing Marriages of Financial Opposites.” ''The fact that you and your partner or spouse don't see eye to eye on how to spend, save, and invest is completely normal," said Garrett, however “people compromise on where they are going to live or take vacations so they also need to compromise on how to spend, save, and invest."

Wall Street Journal, February 27, 2005 – The majority of employees do not know which investments to choose in their 401(k) accounts and employers do not help them. If you need help, “consider hiring a financial adviser,” writes Andrew Blackman in “Why the Boss Won’t Help With That 401(k).” “You can find advisers who charge by the hour at http://www.garrettplanningnetwork.com/ or http://www.feeonly.org/,” the article recommends.

The Oregonian, February 21, 2005 – Sheryl Garrett, financial planner and author, thinks the debate over Social Security could presage a drastic shift in the way Americans think about retirement as people live longer and public resources grow increasingly scarce. “Rather than planning on a total break from work at age 65, most people will have to plan to continue working at least part time or at a slower pace as they age in order to maintain their standard of living,” she said. No matter what happens in Washington, D.C., Garrett plans to keep giving all her working clients the same piece of advice about Social Security: Don't count on it. "It's going to continue to shrink as a percentage of our total need," she said. "That I believe."The article is titled “Tax plan would hurt workers now in 40s.”

Newsweek, February 14, 2005 – According to the article, “Money: Dial a Planner,” you can go to www.GarrettPlanningNetwork.com to locate money pros that offer quick counseling for questions like "Which mortgage is better?" or "Should I dump this fund?" These advisers charge by the hour to answer everything from the quickie questions to the more complicated "I need a comprehensive retirement plan."

Los Angeles Times, February 13, 2005 – Syndicated Columnist, Eileen Ambrose, writes that the key to preventing money troubles from damaging a marriage is to talk about finances before walking down the aisle. “Unfortunately, we don't always talk about financial issues. It's so unromantic," said Sheryl Garrett, a Kansas financial planner, in “Get to know his/her credit history before saying ‘I do’.”

Pioneer Press, February 9, 2005 – Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, a financial planner who designed a national network of planners who will work on an hourly basis with moderate-income people, was interviewed on how to find a financial planner in “Hire a Financial Planner Only When You Need One.” The Garrett Planning Network website was also noted as a place to locate financial planners who charge an hourly fee.

Wall Street Journal, February 2, 2005 – In “American Express Plans to Spin Off Advisory Unit,” some advisers say that for big institutions like American Express, their hurdle is still that consumers have a desire to see advisers as trusted advocates, not salesmen for financial services giants trying to sell an array of products. "Consumers we talk to no longer want to be affiliated with supermarket kinds of financial-planning shops," said Sheryl Garrett, founder of the Garrett Planning Network.

AARP Magazine, January/February 2005 – In “Pension Panic,” Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, founder of The Garrett Planning Network, was interviewed for her expertise on whether it makes the most sense to take a lump sum payout or a monthly payout from your pension. The lump sum makes sense only if you're in bad health and don't expect to live long in retirement, or you're so wealthy that you're unlikely to outlive your assets, says Garrett. "And that's true," she adds, "regardless of whether interest rates are rising or falling."

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, January 2005 – In “How to find the right financial adviser,” Anne Kates Smith guides readers through the maze of credentials financial advisers can have, the different services offered, the cost of advice and questions to ask when interviewing financial planners. The Garrett Planning Network was listed as a source to locate financial advisers.

Real Money, AM 760 Radio, January 15, 2005 – Are you ready to design your own destiny? If you haven't started planning for a sound financial future or don't know where to start – or if you'd like to make sure you're doing the right things, at the right time, in the right way – listen to this radio show segment and learn what you need to know. Sheryl Garrett, CFP®, one of the top 25 most influential people in financial planning today and founder of The Garrett Planning Network, shares tips and resources to help you get and stay on track.

Chicago Tribune, January 9, 2005 – In “Early Advice Big Help, no matter how tiny the assets,” The Garrett Planning Network is noted as “a national database of fee-only advisers that's designed for middle-income investors and those just starting out.”