Recently, I was talking to a friend and she mentioned she had joined an exercise boot camp that had just opened up nearby. She invited me to join her for a free class…after all, I had nothing to lose. In the subsequent days, I was hurting. My rarely used muscles were still in shock days later. This immediate reaction to only one day of working out was a good reminder to me that I was completely out of shape.
After learning that many of my friends were signing up for their 30-day trial membership, I joined too.
Getting your finances in shape is no different. Maybe you think you’re in good shape. Would it hurt to double-check? There is no commitment to meet with us, so there’s really nothing to lose. Getting started can be the hardest step. Just like friends can keep you accountable when you need to exercise, meeting with a financial advisor can do the same.
How do you find the right financial advisor for you? It can be tricky. Where do you start? It’s important you find someone who has your best interest in mind. While I don’t like when the exercise coach calls me out in class or stands beside me when I’m exercising, I know that if she wasn’t there, I might be inclined to work a little less, or even rest.
A good financial advisor can help:
- design a plan that works for you
- allow for some flexibility
- educate you
- collaborate with you
- help you review your investments
- provide guidance through difficult financial decisions
- improve your confidence in your financial future
While I like to think I’m good at exercising on my own, the truth is, I don’t push myself. I need someone there to make me work harder. Perhaps you need someone to help keep you accountable, to push you a little harder to reach your financial goals, to help you see the freedom that comes from being in great financial shape. Maybe you think you’re in good shape…what harm is there in seeking a second opinion?
It’s a new day…don’t put off what you meant to do yesterday, and the day before that. You can’t get time back, but you can start now.
Ask yourself:
- Do I have a sufficient cash reserve?
- Am I taking advantage of all my tax-deferred investment opportunities?
- Am I maxing out my retirement plan?
- Am I familiar with all the tax laws that may help reduce my tax liabilities?
- Do I know how to properly execute a tax efficient retirement income stream when I retire?
- Will I know when and how to take RMDs?
- When is the best time for me to take social security? How about my spouse?
- Are my beneficiary designations properly setup to avoid estate tax issues when I pass away?
These are just a few examples of questions and concerns that individuals face every day. Don’t allow yourself to go another day, another month, another year without getting your financial house in order.
You know the good hurt when your muscles ache from working out? It’s a good hurt because you know it means you actually worked out. You’re feeling the results of your hard work. And it feels good. Meeting with a financial advisor, designing a plan for your future, and implementing that plan creates a feeling of peace and relief. And doesn’t that feel great!
Contact us for a complimentary meeting. What are you waiting for? Give us a call. We look forward to working together.
Securities offered through The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. (SFA) – Member FINRA, SIPC. Advisory services offered through The Strategic Financial Alliance, Inc. (SFA) and Strategic BluePrint LLC.
This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal or investment planning advice as individual situations will vary. The SFA does not provide tax or legal advice.
Published June 16, 2020