Financial Advice New Zealand (FANZ) has stepped up efforts to highlight the value of financial planning, publishing a series of informative guides for consumers to help them get started.

The peak body published the guides on its website as part of World Financial Planning Day, which it joined the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) to host last week on October 5.

FANZ is part of the FPSB network, which represents more than 203,000 certified financial planner professionals worldwide.

The FANZ guides cover areas like what to expect from a first meeting with an adviser, ways to improve financial wellbeing and tips addressing financial stress during uncertain times.

“Regardless of age and income level, advised Kiwis are more prepared for retirement, feel better about their financial position and are more comfortable making big financial decisions,” FANZ says.

“This is why we’re right behind World Financial Planning Day.”

FANZ says its Better Behaviours research found more than two thirds of advised New Zealanders believe that advice has led to improved outcomes. About 77% have a better understanding of the risks of their financial plan, 74% are more aware of how they can achieve their financial goals (74%) and 70% are better equipped to actually stick to their plans.