Ever since you have started working, you have been taking lessons in managing your own money. Personal financial planning is not a rocket science and is a continuous process that starts in a serious manner, probably from your first salary cheque. The seriousness grows, probably when you file the first income tax return. As it is usual, till that time your parents or some of the relatives play a role in fiduciary advisory capacity and you are ok. However, multiple returns, lot of parties / travel, multiple newest / sleekest gadgets and a few mandatory traditional investments later, one day you start wondering, “Hey, it’s time to get serious as I don’t know where is my money going?". It’s usually at this point of time you start doing google searches, speak to a few peers, speak to relatives – who all tell you that it’s time to start a personal financial plan. Here, you start wondering should I do s planning myself (DIY) or hire a qualified financial planner(QFP) ? Also, as this is a data intensive exercise, it is important that you are well-prepared even before you start following the steps as mentioned below (Read Steps to follow even before you start).