The countdown is under way to the launch of the IFP's consumer-focused Financial Planning Week 2013 campaign on Sunday 24 November.

Rugby legend Will Greenwood MBE and leading personal finance journalist Jeff Prestridge of the Mail on Sunday helped launch the campaign last week in London at the media launch.
Former British Lion Will Greenwood spoke at the launch about the importance of consumers planning ahead and said changing consumers' "mindset" about Financial Planning and personal finance was "key" to encouraging them to take their finances seriously. Even small, incremental changes could make a huge difference. 
He said he had learned from England rugby coach Sir Clive Woodward that small changes, when aggregated, made a powerful difference.
The campaign encourages Financial Planners, the media, providers and others with influence to promote the benefits of good Financial Planning in its broadest sense to consumers.
The campaign website www.financialplanningweek.org.uk features tips, tools and information to encourage and support people who wish to take steps towards planning better for their future. During the week many publications and websites will be running stories about the benefits of good Financial Planning and many IFP members will be contacting the media, running open days and other events.
Mail on Sunday personal finance editor Jeff Prestridge said he supported the aims of the campaign wholeheartedly and encouraged other journalists and organisations to get behind it.
Steve Gazzard CFP^CM, chief executive of the IFP, said: "Financial Planning isn't just for the wealthy – it's for everyone. With all of us feeling the pinch due to rises in the cost of living, it's never been more important to encourage people to make sound financial plans.
"As part of the campaign, we are providing opportunities for consumers to get answers to their Financial Planning questions from Certified Financial PLanner^CM professionals, using our online "ask a planner" facility. For those who act quickly, there is also the opportunity for free surgeries with Financial Planners including the IFP's Accredited Financial Planning Firms."
Aviva and many other providers, including Liontrust, are supporting the campaign.
Kevin O'Donnell, Editor of Financial Planner magazine and Financial Planner Online, said: "Financial Planner Online is a great initiative and focuses consumers' minds on issues such as saving for a rainy day or protecting loved ones.
"The more IFP members can do during the week the more the message will be spread far and wide. Just spending an hour to contact local media can make all the difference. We'll be running extensive coverage on what members are doing so members can Tweet to #FPWUK or email us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to let us know what they are organising and we'll provide coverage.
The IFP has urged members and supporters of the week to Tweet what they are doing and follow events using the hashtag #FPWUK
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The IFP is working with Holt PR to mount the national PR campaign during the week and will also be using Wayfinder, its new consumer brand, to encourage people at different life stages to take some simple steps to improve their financial "fitness". During the week daily consumers surveys will released on attitudes to saving and finance. For more information go to the 'News and Media' section of the IFP website at www.financialplanning.org.uk.
• Don't miss our two page preview on Financial Planning Week and how planners can make the most of it. It's in the next issue of Financial Planner magazine being published in mid-November. Also see other coverage on Financial Planner Online.