The lead story in our semiannual investment guide talks about what you will encounter if you shop around for a financial planner.

FORBES: An Introduction To Forbes Investment Guide 2005

Finally, if you shop around for a better deal, you could actually cover your endowment shortfall and save money at the same time - giving you the best of both worlds.

BBC: NEWS | Programmes | Big Spender | Falling short

If you keep your financial situation simple, diligently shop around, and keep an eye on your money, you can avoid may of the more common fees.

FORBES: 5 Most Annoying Banking Fees

If you have a simple estate, shop around for a lawyer who will agree to be paid for time worked, instead of the more common percentage-of-the-estate fee.

FORBES: Magazine Article

If you are healthy, or just know how to shop around for cheap doctors, the HSA could leave you a lot better off in both group and individual plans.

FORBES: Saving for Your Health

If you have to buy new, wait until it goes on sale and shop around.

FORBES: Change the way you think about buying

You also can shop around for a new policy to see if another insurer has better rates.

WSJ: Renegotiate Life-Insurance Cost

There's no way for you to know if that's the case, but knowing that it could be is another reason to shop around to make sure you're getting the best possible deal.

WSJ: Questions to Ask Your Financial Adviser About Fees