"The Internet and financial software can be valuable tools, but people don't see them as a substitute for one-on-one advice from a professional," said Elaine Bedel, who chairs CFP Board's governing body. "Demand for personalized advice has actually grown since our previous survey in 1999. More people are consulting financial planners (37 percent vs. 32 percent in 1999), and more are using financial planners as their primary financial advisers (22 percent vs. 19 percent in 1999)."
   
The survey found that 90 percent of consumers use the Internet, and nearly half of those utilize it for financial reasons. Almost all Internet users are at least somewhat satisfied with the financial information they obtain online. 

The survey also found that half of consumers still use the Internet to research companies for possible investments, but they are less likely to go online for information on savings instruments, financial service companies and other financial information. Few Internet users seek information about debt management, and a mere 1 percent uses it to apply for loans.
   
While the use of tax-preparation software is growing, only 32 percent of consumers use software for financial planning.

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