General financial planning services are designed to help people gain better control over their financial lives. When these services are used, a professional will take a close look at a client’s current financial standing, glean information about long-term goals and work to develop a plan to make those goals become reality. General financial planning will typically involve multiple aspects and stages. The prongs may include debt management, savings and investment strategies. Initially, financial planners may recommend a plan to lessen debt to free up more money for investment.