After gleaning information from you via interviews or questionnaires, most planners will crank out a comprehensive financial plan, a one-shot document that deals with such issues as retirement (probably the most important), children's college education, taxes, insurance coverage and estate matters.

FORBES: A Plan To Get A Planner

Insurance companies have pledged to conduct a significant consumer education campaign to ensure more Americans and their children know about the coverage options that are available to them.

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