Why Consider Financial Planning
WE HELP PEOPLE ANSWER QUESTIONS
Our clients often have a variety of questions and concerns depending on their individual circumstances and goals. However, some common questions that financial planning clients frequently seek answers to include:
- How much do I need to save for retirement? Clients want to know how much money they should be setting aside to maintain their desired lifestyle during retirement.
- What is the best investment strategy for me? Clients seek advice on how to allocate their investments, taking into consideration their risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial goals.
- How can I minimize my taxes? Clients are interested in strategies to reduce their tax liability, such as optimizing contributions to retirement accounts, tax-efficient investment strategies, and tax deductions.
- What insurance coverage do I need? Clients want to understand their insurance needs, including life insurance, health insurance, disability insurance, and long-term care insurance.
- How can I pay off debt efficiently? Clients often seek guidance on how to prioritize and pay down their debts, including credit card debt, student loans, and mortgages.
- Am I adequately protected against unforeseen events? Clients are concerned about financial emergencies and seek advice on building an emergency fund and having the right insurance in place.
- How can I plan for major life events? Clients want to know how to financially prepare for major life events such as buying a home, sending children to college, or starting a business.
- What's the best way to save for my children's education? Parents often seek advice on college savings options, such as 529 plans or other investment accounts.
- Should I pay down my mortgage early? Clients debate whether to make extra mortgage payments or invest their money elsewhere, and they seek advice on which approach is best for them.
- How can I ensure my estate is properly managed and distributed? Clients want to plan for the transfer of their assets to heirs and beneficiaries while minimizing estate taxes.
- What is my risk tolerance, and how does it impact my investment choices? Financial planners often assess clients' risk tolerance and help them align their investments accordingly.
- How can I plan for a comfortable retirement while also helping my children financially? Clients may need guidance on balancing their retirement goals with financial support for their children or grandchildren.
- What are the implications of a major financial decision, such as buying a second home or starting a business? Clients seek advice on the financial consequences and risks associated with significant financial choices.
- How can I diversify my investment portfolio to reduce risk? Clients want to understand the benefits of diversification and how to build a diversified portfolio.
- What are the costs associated with financial planning services? Clients often inquire about the fees and charges for working with a financial planner and how the advisor is compensated.
These are general questions that clients often ask, but it's essential to remember that each client's situation is unique, and their specific questions and concerns may vary significantly. We will tailor our advice to address the individual needs and goals of our clients.
ASSISTANCE WITH MANAGING YOUR FINANCES
It has been our experience that many busy people, no matter how well educated or financially sophisticated, don't have the time or inclination to effectively manage their own financial affairs.
Most people today are too busy keeping up with the changes in their own specialized areas to remain current with the ever-changing financial services industry. To prepare a financial plan with the same attention to detail as that of a professional advisor would just take too much time and research. This would be time away from your personal life, occupation, business or civic responsibilities.
If your financial situation is being handled by a financial advisor, you can be assured that your "financial house" is in order. Your time and attention can be focused in effective business management and pursuing your personal interests.
CONFIRM YOUR FINANCIAL OBJECTIVES ARE BEING MET
Many people currently have several advisors in place that provide advice only within their own area of expertise. For example, the broker may be an expert in picking stocks and bonds, but without access to information concerning your total financial situation may not be able to provide the proper advice with respect to how to register those assets for estate planning purposes.
Your accountant may be doing an excellent job of tax preparation, but may not be able to help you re-position assets so as to reduce next year's taxes.
A professional financial advisor is certainly not intended to replace any of your existing advisors with whom you now have a satisfactory relationship. However, by evaluating your total financial situation, a qualified financial advisor can coordinate strategies that do not interfere with any of your stated goals and objectives. By focusing on the whole, rather than on a part, this advisor can make recommendations that are consistent with your long-term financial strategy.
MONITORING YOUR IMPLEMENTATION
A financial plan that is not implemented becomes merely an educational experience. Worse than that, you have become aware of your financial problems but have not taken action to solve them. Your stated goals and objectives can never be met without putting the plan into action. Follow through is critical!
A financial advisor will do their best to see that all phases of your plan are properly implemented by your selected agents, not only in terms of the types and categories of investments, but with respect to estate, tax, and retirement planning. All the areas of risk assessment are important, since one overlooked exposure could wipe out the rewards of years of work and saving.
FREQUENT REVIEW TO REMAIN ON SCHEDULE
Your planning is a dynamic process and should be reviewed on a continuing basis to verify that your goals are being met and that you are remaining on your financial schedule. Since "nothing is as constant as change itself", your goals, attitudes toward financial risks, and family circumstances will change.
Even if we as individuals were to remain the same, the financial world around us changes so frequently that constant monitoring is a necessary part of the planning process. The political, tax, legislative, and economic changes increase in frequency.
The on-going review and reporting also holds the planning firm accountable to you, the client. Quarterly reviews also make sure that any necessary adjustments are made before it is too late.
PROVIDES YOU WITH PEACE OF MIND
Many people have expressed the sentiment that the planning process has made them much more comfortable with their financial situations; their financial questions and concerns have been resolved.
Dealing with a financial advisor will give you the peace of mind in knowing that your financial situations are being handled by a full-time professional who is dedicated to your financial needs and who is in constant pursuit of your goals.