I figure this is a long shot, but can anyone recommend a financial planner in the north west Arkansas area? If not any tips on how to find a good one?

I'm getting married in a couple months and I want to make sure my future wife and I are handling our money in the best way possible. My primary concern is her credit score and student loan debt.... both are very concerning to me. I'm most interested in protecting my credit score, rebuilding hers, and possibly refinancing her student loans so that we pay less interests over the life of the loan.

TIA

I don't know any there, but a good place to start research is http://www.letsmakeaplan.org

You want a "Certified Financial Planner" who charges a fee for his/her time and advice. No commissions for products sold. Make sure any mutual fund or other investment vehicles you use have low fees. The Vanguard group of funds is a great place to consider. Investing is a lifetime adventure. 6-8% average annual return over a 50 year period doesn't sound sexy but it really and truly works!

I agree with pfo. Oh and Congratulations!

Before my marriage, and for about 6 months after we maried, money was an issue for us (I had 4 to 6x her take home pay). Then I got over it. I only say that as it is one of the 4 to 5 issues that couples argue about the most.

On the advisor, I would stress someone who stresses "suitability", lower fees, and as pfo mentioned, doesn't get paid on commission. Personally I prefer the long game. Make a long term plan and stop tinkering with it.