If the idea of laying out your financial position, baring your hopes, dreams, fears -- your soul! -- to a total stranger and then paying a fee for this particular brand of pain makes you want to dive deep back under the covers, you're not alone.

Meeting with a financial advisor for the first time can be intimidating even for investors who see the future with perfect clarity. For those of us who cannot even plan the dinner menu with forethought, the fear of planning our financial futures can be paralyzing.

Whatever end of that spectrum you operate at, now is probably a good time to dip your toe into the financial planning waters. It's tax season and you're reading a blog on a financial resources website -- you're ready! And the good news is, it's easier and more enjoyable than you think.

How? It' as easy as letting your financial advisor carry some of this burden and guide you through the things you should be considering as your life's scenery changes. Here's what some experts say are the keys to having a successful first meeting with your new advisor:

'Be open and upfront about your needs and expectations from the relationship,' says Robert Schmansky of Clear Financial Advisors. 'Be open and be yourself. Don't be afraid to ask '“ and that involves anything.'

Clarissa Hobson of Carnick & Company agrees. 'Ask your advisor what you can expect from the experience. For example, how many times a year can you expect to meet with your advisor? Will you receive quarterly and annual reports? What is an acceptable timeframe for performance expectations to be met?'

If you have some clear cut goals (to pay for college tuition for a future family of four or erase your student debt within six years, for instance), great! Be sure to share those thoughts with your advisor. But don't be too nervous if you haven't identified any goals. 'Your doctor does not expect you to tell her what kind of infection you have,' says Peter Canniff of Advanced Portfolio Design. 'She's going to poke, prod, ask questions and run tests. A good financial advisor will do the same to help you frame your goals within your financial capabilities.'

Also, keep in mind that you cannot 'go back,' so stop worrying about the past, says John Deyeso of Financial Filosophy. 'We can only control today, and that is where the discussion should come from. If clients want to be lectured, they can call their parents and get that for free.'

Amen, Mr. Deyeso! And good point.

In fact, this is a business meeting and a business relationship '“ one where you are in charge. 'As the advisor's client, you are the boss,' says Troy Sapp of Commencement Financial Planning. 'At the end of the meeting, you should ask for a written summary as well as a summary of decisions for you to make,' Not every (if any) decision will be made during the meeting, so the meeting summary with action items will help you in your decision-making, he says.

Like any successful relationship -- financial or not -- trust and communication are key. You should feel comfortable asking for clarification on terms or ideas that you don't understand.

'Like any professional group, we sometimes use terms that are not used by everyone,' says Leisa Brown Aiken of Veo Financial Counsel. No big deal. Your advisor wants you to understand and will be happy to explain any 'in the club' or 'brilliant advisor' speak. (Hey, your advisor probably can't launch the space shuttle, turn a perfect pirouette or write complex software algorithms on the fly, either. We're not supposed to know each other's businesses. Fear begone'¦)

And don't be afraid to bring the softer side of yourself to the table; the clearer idea your advisor has of what motivates and derails you, the more apt the advice will be. 'Learning about your life and your experiences is part of the planner's job,' says Lauren Lindsay of Personal Financial Advisors in Covington, La. 'If you couldn't get the budget together because you have anxiety over spending, we need to know that.'

George Middleton of Limoges Investment Management agrees. 'There should be a discussion about 'potholes,' or the things that can derail a financial plan. Do you have rental insurance? What about medical insurance, and so on.'

'Money is more than just a number,' says Laura Scharr-Bykowsky with Ascend Financial Planning. 'I am always impressed with young folks who are seeking out this advice and tell them so. Literally, I tell them that I am very proud of them. They are very rare.'

Good advice, all. And as you begin to more fully consider your healthy, financial futures, know that there are numerous tools and checklists to assist in laying your educational foundation. And be sure to check out our current series on Financial Intelligence where we take a step-by-step look at how your emotions and unconscious behaviors play into your financial decision-making '“ a topic for any age group, actually.

But mainly, know this. You can do this! Just make that appointment and go! It's not as painful as you are imagining and more important to your future than nearly anything you can name. I think Christopher Van Slyke of Trovena says it best: 'Relax and enjoy the process. You may learn a lot about yourself.'

Indeed.