Believe it or not, your financial planner's track record isn't as important as their financial philosophy. This is because your financial planner's main job is to help you gain a sense of control over your financial future, not pick the next hot stocks. There are no quick tricks –financial planning is a process that takes time, especially if you just received an inheritance. Marguerita Cheng, CFP® and CEO of Blue Ocean Global Wealth, describes what it takes to be a successful financial planner… and a good financial planning client. She stresses the importance of sharing information with your financial professionals, and why it's necessary to fully understand your current situation before you create a plan. She explores why people tend to shy away from financial planning and how she encourages clients to change their thinking to be more positive. Listen to learn the questions investors should ask a new advisor.

Will tax loss harvesting give you extra money?

Doug offers a free checklist for investors who want to do some year-end housekeeping in their accounts. Tax loss harvesting may be a way to lower your taxes. Consult with a qualified tax professional before implementing anything on this list. Free Download: What to Do Before the End of the Year to Get Some Extra Money in Your Pocket Follow Marguerita Cheng on LinkedIn and Twitter, or on corporate website, Blue Ocean Global Wealth. To learn more about Roger Whitney and his 5-minute retirement plan, go to rogerwhitney.com/5minuteretirementmakeover. If you're not already receiving updates on new episodes, sign up now, and as a special bonus, receive Doug's free ebook The Retirement Planning Book.