Well, the market has certainly been showing some volatility these days, hasn’t it? And no wonder! We have a new Administration taking unprecedented actions. Tariffs imposed on imports and reciprocal tariffs imposed by affected nations. Trade deals have been struck, but it’s a roller coaster, isn’t it?
Whether these events will ultimately prove good or ill for the nation and our economy in the long term, we will have to wait and see.
If you’re experiencing stress or anxiety over the bounces (and perhaps some of the underlying factors influencing them), you can take two comforts:
- You’re not alone – not by a long shot!
- Even better, there’s a simple way to significantly reduce stress!
Studies have shown consistently that having a good financial advisor and consulting him/her regularly gives people more peace of mind regarding their financial situation, both present and future.
Why is that? Well, there are a lot of factors involved―
- Demystification. The unknown, or uncomprehended, is always scarier than the known and understood. Your financial advisor, one with the experience and expertise Rigby Financial Group’s professionals offer, can set out your current picture and likely prospects clearly, without jargon, so that it’s easier to see where you are, navigate choppy waters, and chart a path toward your goal(s).
- Listening. A good financial advisor will ask questions, a lot of them―and listen carefully, empathetically to your answers. These answers will help him/her understand where you are coming from―a unique place, because you are unique; where you want to go―also unique, as your goal; your current situation, financial and familial―because your family goals and commitments are an integral part of your life. Then, s/he will drill down into the granular specifics as they apply to you, personally.
- Strategic Action Plans. Based on the above, your financial advisor can devise a custom-tailored financial plan with actionable steps you can take to move forward in the most productive way. It’s like having a roadmap with all the milestones between here and the next destination clearly marked out for you. And together, you and your trusted advisor will revisit and revise your roadmap, as you move forward toward achieving your ultimate goals.
- Comprehensive Financial Strategies. At RFG, we believe the only way to go is through a truly holistic approach. We want to know you―we understand the meaning and value of client relationships and seek to build relationships which last. We have deep experience and expertise in all aspects of financial planning and can devise plans for your lifetime and your legacy. Of course, such plans are always designed to be adjusted in light of changing circumstances ―because if there’s one constant in life, it’s change.
So, what will a financial planner do for you? Well, if you come to us, we will do as much as you want us to. What we can offer are strategies for:
Debt Reduction
Especially if you’re on the younger side, you may be carrying debt from varying sources:
- Business loans
- Student loans
- Mortgage(s)
- Lines of credit (LOCs)
- Credit cards
Many families are subject to a number, if not all, of these debt categories, and feel overwhelmed.
But debt is often more manageable than people think―it’s a question of leveraging your ability to pay high-cost debt first, before tackling debt which costs you less to carry. There are usually ways you can do this, but most often it takes a seasoned and caring professional to help you determine the best strategy for you.
Education Costs
If you’re a parent, you’ve probably at least considered the cost of a college education―maybe more than one if you have two or more children.
Your financial advisor can help you find smart ways to start saving for your children’s education now, so your contributions can grow until the funds are needed for tuition and other expenses.
Some strategies can even allow savings to pay for primary education costs if your children are enrolled in private schools.
Financial Planning
A truly comprehensive financial plan has quite a few moving parts―it has to, as your financial picture has more than one component.
At Rigby Financial Group, we can help you with:
- Investment Allocations. Are your investments appropriate for you? Do they take into account your goals and your risk tolerance? Because if you invest in ways that cause you stress, you may be sacrificing too much of your present for a hoped-for, but uncertain, future. We are all for delayed gratification, but stress is bad for your health, and your health is a vital factor in achieving your long-term goals. What’s the advantage of saving an arbitrary dollar figure if you aren’t healthy enough to fully enjoy the fruits of your labor?
- Tax Planning. Are you paying the federal, state, and local taxing authorities more than you need to? You’d be surprised how often the answer is “yes.” We’ll devise strategies to ensure you hold on to as much of the money you earn as possible under the law. And when/if the tax laws change, we will adjust those strategies to your maximum benefit.
- Retirement Planning, We will devise strategies to help ensure you enjoy a secure retirement, one which makes your post-employment dreams possible.
- Estate Planning. It begins with the wills and powers of attorney which everyone should have in place, even if they’ve just graduated from college. But as your life goes on, your estate plan will grow, expanding to include provisions for your children (and possibly grandchildren) via trusts, insurance policies, and other instruments. We’ll help you prepare your estate organizer, with all your relevant documents at your fingertips.
Final Thoughts
A good financial advisor can help guide you toward the goals you choose, and reduce your stress about financial matters with clear plans for both short and long term, actionable steps for you to take, and a clearer understanding of where you are now, where you want to go, and how to get there.
We invite you to consult our experts on financial planning. Because we understand that your plans are, as they should be, all about you. And being all about you is what we are all about!
Please click here to email us directly – Rigby Financial Group’s trusted, expert team is always at your service – that’s what we are here for!
Until next time –
Peace,
Eric
