What information do I need to have someone help me

[Mr. Clueless]

Okay, as my name indicates, I'm clueless on most issues in finance.

I'll give you a quick, bullet-point run down:

• I'm 33
• Live with my parents but looking to move out
• Work for a local school, but hourly (non-salary) and have no idea about anything in regards to a 401K or retirement
• I have a school insurance plan, but also am latched onto my parents insurance. I have many medical expenditures.

Basically, I know I'm very, very late to the party, but I'd like to take initiative and get a grasp on what I should be doing to prepare for later in life. Thus, I want to seek out some sort of advisor. However, I don't know what information I'll need so they can accurately size me up.

Last year's income? All expenditures?

If you don't mind walking a noobie through the basics, I'd appreciate your help.

[Nutria]

Since budgeting is all about inflows vs. outflows, the starting point is:

1. What do you currently spend your money on?
2. How much do you spend on it?
3. How much do you have left at the end of the month?
4. What do you do with it?

[disneysteve]

Welcome.

I'd probably advise against seeing a financial advisor at this point (and possibly ever). Getting a handle on the basics really isn't that difficult and there are plenty of people right here who can help you with that.

I'm curious how you are still on your parents' health insurance. I thought that only worked until you were 26 but I guess that's not the case.

What info do we need to help you?
Annual income
Total monthly expenses
Debts including current balance and interest rate
Any savings and investments that you currently have

Start with that and then we can ask more questions as needed.