While each person or family's financial condition can be unique and different from others, I still ascribe to the litmus test that you must 'practice what u preach'

I guess when we are faced with financial planners who are 'friends' with us, a reasonable question would be to ask, "Did u also buy the very policy or investment funds that u are recommending to me"?  How about your spouse or your parents? If u can't personally buy the very policy u are selling, I'm sure if that investment return is so good, there should be some innovative ways to get around, to benefit from it

I have so far been the 'guinea pig' for my financial recommendations to my friends. I have always put my own money first to the litmus test, before suggesting it to others

Some suggestions I have put forth to some of my close friends (with ......