A comprehensive financial plan will contribute towards the quality of a person's life by reducing the uncertainty about their future needs and the resources that will be available to meet them. This unit is an introductory course examining what is involved in organising and managing an individual's financial resources, and how to protect, maximise and enjoy the benefits obtained from these resources. The financial planning industry undergoing significant change commencing from March 2004 with the implementation of the Financial Services Reform Act 2001 (FSRA).

The aim of the Unit is to provide a sound understanding of the process of financial planning, together with some of the fundamental skills and knowledge that are required. In line with these objectives, each of the recognised steps in the financial planning process that have been developed by financial planners will be examined in detail, namely: gathering qualitative and quantitative data; identifying goals; identifying financial problems including: setting priorities, deciding on trade-offs and considering opportunity costs; preparing or interpreting written recommendations; implementing agreed-upon plans; and, reviewing, revising and maintaining personal financial plans. The `key areas' that are important for the financial planning process are examined, namely: the regulatory framework; investments; managed funds; superannuation; home ownership; risk management and insurance; taxation; consumer credit; social security; estate planning.