The best one-stop source for such information is someone who makes a
living knowing it. I'd recommend starting with a fee-based financial
planner. Most financial planners are conversant in investments,
insurance, and banking issues.
If you need state-specific accounting information, talk to a CPA in
that specific state. But unless your needs are complex and dependent
on state law, a good financial planner is probably the place to go. He
can answer questions on all of the topics you require, except perhaps
accounting methods. Of course, the best way to find out about
accounting methods is to make an appointment with an accountant.
There are any number of free sources of information on the Internet.
And some states have offices that may be able to answer questions. But
I've worked extensively with state employees, and you get no guarantee
that they are either knowledgeable or interested in helping you. In my
experience, free advice is worth exactly what you pay for it. I
suggest you meet with an expert, ask your questions, and pay the guy.
Set up an appointment with a good planner, and prepare your questions
in advance. To find a planner, start at www.napfa.org, the Web site
for the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. There you
can find out how to select a good planner. I advise a fee-based
planner, because such advisers have no incentive to lie to you in
order to push you into a high-commission product you don't need. I
further recommend that you look for a planner who has earned the
Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.
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