Price is often a barrier for getting unbiased financial advice. The fee-only financial planners who promote the idea that everybody needs a financial planner can costs hundreds of dollars per hour. Many require potential clients to have investible assets of $250,000 or more to develop an ongoing relationship, since their fee is usually calculated as a percentage of assets under management.

A quarter-million dollars is a tougher hurdle to jump lately, given the stock market's recent bout of volatility.

But if you have Oct. 8 free, head to the downtown Minneapolis Public Library for Financial Planning Day. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., financial advisers who belong to the Financial Planning Association of Minnesota will be on hand to meet one-on-one with individuals on topics such as budgeting, saving for college, and investment selection. You obviously won't walk away with a thorough financial plan, but they'll take 20 minutes with you, and if you have a nagging question, here's a chance to have it answered by a pro who is restricted from soliciting for new business or selling products at the event.

In addition to individual appointments, several free workshops on topics ranging from credit to money values will be offered.

Event organizers are expecting a large crowd and suggest registering online.

Has anyone attended this event in past years? What was it like?