Financial Planning Month

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Financial Lifestyle
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every October
Holiday emoji:: 💰

Financial Planning Month empowers individuals to take charge of their financial well-being throughout October. This annual observance encourages budgeting, saving, and smart investing. Take this opportunity to review your financial goals, consult with experts, and build a resilient plan for tomorrow.

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Expected Financial Planning Month Deals

Throughout Financial Planning Month, many institutions offer free resources and consultations. Look for complimentary financial check-ups from firms like Fidelity and Charles Schwab, along with free webinars on budgeting and retirement planning from organizations such as the CFP Board. Online platforms like NerdWallet and Investopedia will provide updated guides and tools. Banks and credit unions often host community workshops on debt management and savings strategies. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as October approaches.

Platform Guide for Financial Planning Month

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #FinancialPlanningMonth. Share insights on career advancement and financial wellness in the workplace.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #FinancialPlanningMonth. Join conversations with financial experts and share quick tips for smart money management.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #FinancialPlanningMonth. Share family budgeting advice and host live Q&A sessions with local financial advisors.

Financial Planning Month Hero

Suze Orman

Suze Orman is an American financial advisor, author, and television host known for her straightforward advice on personal finance. Born in 1951, she has authored numerous best-selling books and hosted 'The Suze Orman Show' on CNBC, empowering millions to take control of their money.

History of Financial Planning Month

Financial planning as a concept has been around for a long time, but not as we know it today. When Loren Dunton set up the Society for Financial Counselling Ethics in 1969, or when the first graduating class of the College of Financial Planning graduated in 1973, financial planning was very different. It was centered around selling limited partnerships, which came to end with the Tax Reform Act of 1986.

However, financial planning re-emerged — all thanks to Richard Averitt III. The certified financial planner gave new meaning to financial planning, this time with a focus on who the client is and what their needs are. This approach was purely methodological in nature.

Soon after, financial planning picked up again. According to the Certified Financial Planner (C.F.P.) Board of Standards in Denver, today, there are more than 94,000 C.F.P.s worldwide, including over 48,000 in the U.S. Additionally, there are also organizations that have been set up for C.F.P.s, such as the Financial Planning Association (FPA), which has approximately 22,000 members.

Financial planning, as we know it now, includes investing, tax planning, retirement planning, and basically other ways to get your finances in order and create mindful budgets to ensure a safe and secure future. Getting a step ahead of your spendings and finances is beneficial in the long run and Financial Planning Month is the perfect time to do that.

Financial Planning Month timeline

1969

Society for Financial Counselling Ethics

Loren Dunton and 13 other members meet at Chicago O’Hare Airport to form the Society for Financial Counselling Ethics.

1973

College of Financial Planning

The first-ever class of College of Financial Planning graduates.

1986

Fall of Financial Planning

The Tax Reform Act puts an end to limited partnership-oriented financial planning.

1990s

Financial Planning Redefined

Richard Averitt III gives financial planning a new image.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Financial Planning Month

Local businesses, particularly financial advisory firms, banks, and credit unions, can actively participate in Financial Planning Month by offering free seminars or webinars on various financial topics. HR departments can host financial wellness workshops for employees, covering budgeting, retirement savings, and debt management. Retailers might offer discounts on financial software or books, while community centers can partner with experts to provide accessible advice to the public.

Financial Planning Month FAQs

When is Financial Planning Month?

Financial Planning Month 2026 runs throughout October, providing a full 31 days to focus on improving your financial health and setting new goals.

How many Americans use a financial planner?

According to a 2023 study by Northwestern Mutual, approximately 36% of Americans currently use a financial advisor. This figure highlights a growing recognition of professional guidance in managing personal wealth.

What is the average household savings in the US?

Household savings rates can vary significantly, but as of early 2026, many sources report the average personal savings rate in the U.S. hovering around 3-5%. This figure reflects disposable income not spent.

What is the difference between a financial advisor and a financial planner?

A financial advisor is a broad term for anyone who helps manage your money, while a financial planner typically focuses on comprehensive goal-based planning, often holding a CFP® certification. A planner creates a holistic roadmap for your financial life.

How to Observe Financial Planning Month

Explore investment opportunities
Use this Financial Planning Month to look at different investment opportunities that fit your budget. It is important to invest in your future.
Use a retirement calculator
It’s never too late to start. If you haven’t started retirement planning yet, find a calculator on the internet and start today!
Track your savings and spendings
Whether it is through an app, an Excel sheet, or your diary, start a savings and spendings tracker to stay on top of your finances and detect patterns that need to change.

5 Interesting Facts About Finances And Financial Planning

It benefits you today
Financial planning isn’t just for the future; it has instant benefits for the present as well.
The simpler, the better
Financial plans that are short, simple, and concise are more efficient and effective than long, overly complicated ones.
It can add up
The average U.S. consumer spends approximately $63,000 every year (yikes!)
Millennials’ parents had more power
Millennials reportedly have less purchasing power than their parents did at their age.
Scrolling isn’t saving
Reducing time on social media actually helps save money.

Why Financial Planning Month is Important

It reminds us to invest in ourselves
This month is a sign to take a minute from mindless spending and invest some time and money in our future.
It creates awareness about financial planning
For young adults who are just starting to earn, this month spreads awareness that it's never too late to manage your finances and you don’t need an elaborate system for it.
It highlights the value of responsibility
Whether or not people choose to participate, it is a reminder that our actions right now determine what our future will look like and creates a sense of responsibility.