By Lorna Tan, Senior Correspondent

Seeing a financial planner is all very well but many Singaporeans are still reluctant to trust their inner money secrets to a complete stranger.

Related link: » Where to pick up pointers

Help, though, is just a click away these days.

The Internet is a treasure trove of financial data and advice, so investing a little time on the computer can pay off handsomely and you can do it without having to put up with hardsell tactics while also protecting your privacy.

Using the Internet to pick up basic financial know-how is also an ideal way to arm yourself and boost your confidence about dealing with your money.

It will help you ask the right questions when you move on to engaging a financial adviser or you can use the Web's vast resources to construct your own wealth management plan.

And it can be done at any time while the anonymity of the virtual world makes it easier for you to divulge how much cash and property - or debt - you have.

There are several websites that encourage visitors to check out their financial health and pick up tips via virtual templates, calculators and games. These also help to work out any shortfalls you face in order to achieve your goals.

Here are some tips on what to look out for in a financial website.

1. Reliability

2. Relevance

3. Ease in navigating

4. Flexibility

5. Generating a financial plan

6. Simple to understand

7. Need for financial advice

Next >>