Financial advisors are helping take some of the sting out of the soft economy, according to a resent survey.

The survey showed that more consumers are using financial advisors and are more likely to be satisfied with their personal finances when they do.

"Given the current economy, it's not surprising to see Americans getting more practice about managing their finances," says Blaine Bedel, chair of the CFP Board of Standards, which undertook the consumer survey. "It's heartening to see that Americans are deciding to take control of their financial futures by reaching out to qualified financial professionals."

The survey consisted of written questionnaires from 996 households, which had income in the top quartile in the age group of the person completing the survey. The survey was conducted between Octorber 23 and November 19. It was the board's first such survey since 1999.

The survey showed an increase in the number of people reaching out to financial planners.  37% percent said they consulted with a planner, compared with 32% in 1999. And the percentage that use a planner as their primary financial advisor increased from 19% to 22%.  Those who serve as their own financial advisors declined, dropping from 48% to 45%.

Those expressing extreme satisfaction with their financial advisors went from 39% to 47% and from 41% to 55% for those who consult with a CFP certificant.

We have a number of charts which you will find interesting and useful.  Please take a look:

• Chart 1 - Why Invest in the Market?
• Chart 2 - Why Diversify?
• Chart 3 - The Power of Time & Compounding

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