Slide Show | May 2009

8 PROFESSIONALS WHO CAN SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

If you need to lighten your work -- or stress -- load, let someone else do the heavy lifting. We have chosen eight professionals who can help make your life a little easier. Visit kiplinger.com/simplify for phone numbers and Web sites to help you find local professionals. The slide show navigation begins on your right.

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8 PROFESSIONALS WHO CAN SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

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8 PROFESSIONALS WHO CAN SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

Financial Adviser

A financial planner can help ease the burden of saving for retirement or college, or managing investments. Choose an adviser who is paid a set fee or who works on commission, or a combination of the two. Cost: $100 to $300 per hour (fee-only).

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Financial Adviser

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8 PROFESSIONALS WHO CAN SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

Tax Preparer

If you have a simple return but don't want to do it yourself, try H&R Block or another commercial preparer. Need more guidance throughout the year or have a complicated tax situation? Consider a CPA. Cost: H&R Block patrons pay an average of $170; a CPA could charge from $150 to $500, depending on your situation.

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Tax Preparer

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8 PROFESSIONALS WHO CAN SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

Travel Agent

An agent provides one-stop shopping for your next escape and can be especially valuable if you are venturing to a faraway destination. Cost: about $30 per person for a domestic trip, or $60 if you're heading overseas or have an intricate itinerary (there may be no fee to book a cruise).

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Travel Agent

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8 PROFESSIONALS WHO CAN SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

Medical-Bills Manager

A claims assistant can review your medical bills and organize paperwork as well as file, track and challenge your insurance claims. Cost: $60 to $120 per hour.

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Medical-Bills Manager

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8 PROFESSIONALS WHO CAN SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

Elder Caregiver

When you can't be there, a caregiver can assist with daily tasks and errands, monitor medications and medical care, and provide companionship. Cost: $16 to $20 per hour.

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Elder Caregiver

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8 PROFESSIONALS WHO CAN SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

Independent Insurance Agent

These brokers sell insurance from multiple carriers, so they can shop for the best policy. And they will help when you need to file a claim. Commissions on policies are typically the same as when you buy directly from the company.

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Independent Insurance Agent

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8 PROFESSIONALS WHO CAN SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

College-Admissions Consultant

A consultant can identify schools tailored to your student's interests, enforce deadlines, and supervise (but not write) applications and essays. Cost: $175 per hour on average, or about $3,800 for a two-year coaching program.

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College-Admissions Consultant

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8 PROFESSIONALS WHO CAN SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

Professional Organizer

this pro can tame your pack-rat tendencies, maximize closet space, help prepare boxes for a move or set up a system for filing paperwork. Cost: $40 to $200 per hour, or by flat fee per project.

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Professional Organizer

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